WHEN I became an MP in May 2010, one of the first issues to land in my in-tray was Equitable Life. The insurance company had fallen into a black hole ten years earlier, leaving an estimated 1.5 million pensioners out of pocket. A disproportionately high number of people in Swindon were affected, and there was a very active support group in the town fighting for compensation.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman had already ruled that the UK’s financial regulators had failed the firm’s customers, and had called on the then Labour government to pay compensation.

However, no payments had been made. When the coalition came to power, I joined many other MPs and individuals in lobbying the new government to make sure this wrong was put right.

The argument was won, and the Treasury committed to paying “swift, fair and transparent payments” to those who had lost out. The Equitable Life Payments Scheme was started in 2011 to pay up to £1.5 billion to victims of the scandal.

The latest progress report confirmed that policyholders have already received £734 million in payments. The government has tried to contact everyone who may be eligible, but many people have moved without giving their new address and an alarming number seem to be unaware that they are entitled to a payment.

The Treasury was planning to shut down the scheme this year, but that would have meant many pensioners at risk of remaining unpaid. Nationally the figure is thought to be close to 200,000 and there could be up to 500 people in Swindon alone who don’t realise they’re owed money. That’s why I’m delighted that the government has announced that the scheme is being extended to 2015.

I and many other MPs – as well as the excellent support groups in places like Swindon – have worked hard to get justice. Working with the All Party Parliamentary Group set up to deal with the issue, we have made real progress.

So it would be such a shame if so many people who worked hard all their lives were to miss out on the money that has been allocated to them. As a new year’s resolution, I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a payment but have not yet heard from the scheme, to take action. Call the scheme directly on 0300 0200 150 where you will be advised of the next steps to take.

Finally, a word about my next surgery – in a rather different and appropriate venue. It’s at the Phoenix Surgery in Toothill from 4.30 to 6pm this Friday. No appointment is necessary, but it would help to call the office in advance if you are coming: 01793 533393.