Pension Credit Campaign New Claims 2022-07-11
2022-07-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the start of the Department's Pension Credit campaign in April 2022, there has been a significant push to increase awareness and uptake of Pension Credit.
What estimate does the Minister have of the number of new Pension Credit claims submitted in (a) Kettering constituency, (b) North Northamptonshire and (c) England since the start of her Department's Pension Credit campaign in April 2022?
Although constituency or regional figures cannot be broken down, during the pension credit day of action on 15 June, over 10,000 claims were received across Great Britain, marking a 275% increase compared to the same period in 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific regional estimates for Kettering and North Northamptonshire could not be provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Pension Credit is a gateway benefit that can lead to additional support for older people, such as council tax relief and free TV licences.
I congratulate the Minister on being the longest-serving Pensions Minister ever and thank him for visiting Kettering recently. I urge the Minister to use pension credit as a gateway benefit to encourage its uptake. Not only is it worth £3,300 in itself, but it also provides access to extra help with council tax, heating bills, NHS dental treatment, and free TV licences.
As Members of Parliament across all parties, it is our responsibility to ensure that people are aware they should apply for Pension Credit if in doubt. The benefit acts as a springboard to additional support worth an average of £3,300.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific plans or commitments beyond general encouragement.
Response accuracy