The three percent pension increase promised to seniors has been delayed until December 15 because the General Election delayed bringing in the legislation.

Pension increases are normally introduced over the summer, but because Parliament was annulled on June 10 for the July 24 election, Government was unable to table the legislation.

Following calls to talk shows yesterday from confused seniors, Government issued a statement saying the legislation will be tabled as soon after Parliament resumes in October 31. And the increases will take effect from December 15.

A Government spokesman said the increases did not appear to be back-dated to the summer as they take effect from December 15.

Claudette Fleming, the director of Age Concern, said yesterday her office had only received one call, with the rest of the questions raised by seniors being aired on talk shows.

The average Government pension - based on a person's salary when they retired - is between $400 and $600 per month, so the increase will amount to between $12 and $18 a month.