Pensioner poverty figures error

More Scottish pensioners are in poverty than previously thought

More Scottish pensioners are living in poverty than was previously thought, the government has admitted.

Errors in official figures understated the number of pensioners on a relatively low income.

The statistics published in March said this figure had fallen by 22% since 1999 from 230,000 to 180,000 in 2006, excluding housing costs.

The new Department of Work and Pensions have now said the actual reduction was 17%, to 190,000.

Relative low income is a measure of whether those in the lowest income households are keeping pace with the general growth in incomes in the economy as a whole.

Across Scotland, the total number of people in this category fell by 11% from 980,000 in 1999 to 870,000 before housing costs.

The correction was issued without comment by the government statistical service in Scotland, who said the Department for Work and Pensions published the new figures after "errors" were identified.

The revised Scottish figures will be published in full on 30 May.