Commons Sense

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Pensioners Cost of Living 2023-11-13

2023-11-13

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
John McNally
▸ Context
Rises in the cost of living have prompted concerns about the adequacy of government support for pensioners.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of Government support for pensioners in light of rises in the cost of living?
Guy Opperman
April saw the biggest ever rise in the state pension by 10.1% due to the triple lock. Every pensioner receives a winter fuel payment and cost of living payment this winter. The poorest pensioners receive a £900 further cost of living payment.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
John McNally
▸ Context
In the Falkirk constituency and across the UK, many older people are struggling to meet basic needs due to high costs. Research shows that expanding eligibility for cost of living payments could help these individuals.
Will the Minister commit to expanding the eligibility criteria for existing cost of living payments to include those on housing benefits and receiving council tax reductions?
Guy Opperman
We have committed to a £900 further cost of living payment, doubled the winter fuel payment, and provided the highest state pension ever. The Government is passionately supporting pensioners and the most vulnerable on an ongoing basis.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Expanding eligibility criteria for existing cost of living payments
With No Disrespect To The Hon. Gentleman, We Have Committed To That
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Gill Furniss Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
▸ Context
New figures show a significant drop in uptake of pension credit among the under-75s, with up to 20% fewer applications. This affects many households' ability to meet basic needs.
With new figures indicating that up to 880,000 pensioners are missing out on pension credit, will the Government stop burying their head in the sand and take action to improve uptake?
Guy Opperman
TV campaigns, internet campaigns, radio, print, and social media campaigns have been undertaken. Pension credit applications were up 75% in the year to May; we have never had so many people applying as now.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Commitment to address low uptake of pension credit among under-75s
We Have Undertaken Tv Campaigns, Internet Campaigns And Campaigns On The Radio
Response accuracy