Expat pensioner to appeal

Annette Carson, a South African pensioner, who lost her attempt to overturn the UK government's "frozen" pension policy is to appeal.

BBC News Online has learnt that Mrs Carson has secured funding for the appeal from two Canadian pensioners organisations.

A hearing could take place between December 2002 and February 2003.

Mrs Carson, 61, challenged a refusal by the UK's Department of Work & Pensions to up-rate her state pension in line with inflation.

The case could potentially have affected up to 490,000 British pensioners living overseas in countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, who do not have their state pensions up-rated each year.

About 330,000 people living in other countries, including the US and European Union countries, receive state pensions which rise in line with inflation.

Although the judge acknowledged grievances felt by these people, he said the issue was a political matter and for the British parliament to decide.

He gave Mrs Carson the right to appeal and papers have now been lodged with the court.