Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pensioners: Cost of Living

Monday 13 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • 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

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John McNally SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Rises in the cost of living have prompted concerns about the adequacy of government support for pensioners.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of Government support for pensioners in light of rises in the cost of living?

Answer from 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.

Answered
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Q2 John McNally SNP
Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Expanding eligibility criteria for existing cost of living payments

How: With No Disrespect To The Hon. Gentleman, We Have Committed To That

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Q3 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to address low uptake of pension credit among under-75s

How: We Have Undertaken Tv Campaigns, Internet Campaigns And Campaigns On The Radio

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