Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Pension Credit Uptake And International Aid Cuts

26 October 2022 · 5 other contributors · 11,047 words

Opened by Alyn Smith SNP Stirling

Responding minister: Anne McLaughlin

ClimateForeign AffairsBenefits & Welfare

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alyn Smith raised concerns about pension credit uptake and international aid cuts in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The speaker is concerned about the interconnectedness of food security, climate change, and international development policy, citing UK food imports at 46%.
  • The speaker notes that due to cuts in official development assistance, millions of children, girls, and women have lost out on nutritional support, education, and humanitarian aid.
  • The hon. Member for Glasgow North East highlights that 7.7 million in pension credit goes unclaimed in her constituency and 2.2 billion across the UK annually, citing stigma, complexity, and lack of awareness as reasons for low uptake.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to reinstate the 0.7% international aid commitment as outlined in the 2019 Conservative party manifesto. He also recommends that the government consider the National Farmers Union of Scotland's recommendations for domestic food security and the International Development Committee's report on 'Food insecurity'. The lead MP asks for the Government to extend the deadline for eligibility for the cost-of-living payment from 19 August 2022 until 31 March 2023. She also requests clarity on the exact date in December when those who successfully apply will receive half of the £650 payment.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alyn Smith SNP Stirling

The speaker is concerned about the interconnectedness of food security, climate change, and international development policy. He mentions that the UK imports 46% of its food and highlights the need for a coherent approach to address these issues. The speaker also cites statistics from the ONE campaign indicating that due to cuts in official development assistance, millions of children, girls, women have lost out on nutritional support, education, and humanitarian aid. The hon. Member for Glasgow North East is concerned about the low uptake of pension credit, which stands at around 60%. She mentions that £7.7 million goes unclaimed in her constituency and £2.2 billion goes unclaimed across the UK annually. Among reasons why people do not apply are stigma, complexity of the application process, and lack of awareness. The hon. Member cites research showing that failing to deliver pension credit to every eligible person costs the NHS and social care an estimated £4 billion a year.

Other contributors (5)
  • Ian Murray SNP South Scotland

    The hon. Member for South Scotland agrees with extending the deadline for pension credit applications and mentions that four of his team spent a day helping constituents make their applications.

  • Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North

    She thanked the right hon. Member for East Hampshire for securing the debate and mentioned organisations like Refuge and Girlguiding that have provided information on online experiences of women and girls. She highlighted a case where St Albert's Primary School in Scotland received racist abuse after welcoming the First Minister, urging the Government to address such issues. She expressed support for the Online Safety Bill, emphasising the need for it to protect children from child sexual abuse while ensuring it is permissive enough to allow beneficial internet usage.

  • Leo Docherty Con Maidenhead

    Expressed gratitude for the previous Minister's work, congratulated the new Minister and the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington on her first Westminster Hall debate. Highlighted global food insecurity issues caused by conflict, climate change, and geopolitical tensions like Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mentioned UK's support to World Food Programme reaching 150 million people and providing £156 million in bilateral humanitarian assistance to east Africa.

  • Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark

    He discussed the redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital, highlighting the need for investment due to population growth and aging demographics. He mentioned the hospital's reliance on a temporary steam boiler plant, noting that securing £34 million for an energy centre is a positive step forward but urged immediate commencement of electrical work. The Member sought further support from the Minister for enabling works and expedited business case approval.

  • Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

    Congratulated his neighbour on securing the debate; declared an interest in Kettering General Hospital projects. Discussed progress on hospital investment with £4.4 million received to date and £38.2 million confirmed for enabling works, including a new energy centre and high voltage cable. Highlighted collaboration between trusts and central teams to ensure efficient delivery of funds.

Government Response

Anne McLaughlin

I thank the Minister for his response. He said that the number of claims increased by 275% during the week of pension credit awareness day, suggesting an argument in favour of having more than one such week. The deadline for applying is set for 19 December. A range of measures are being looked at to encourage applications, and I would like him to write to me with details. An advertising campaign was mentioned but it was not highly visible on platforms like YouTube. The Treasury is spending £134 billion on social security and extra cost-of-living payments this year; an additional £2 billion of support is a drop in the ocean for the UK Government but crucial for individuals receiving it. Pension credit enables people to live life again after working hard all their lives, without partying or living lavishly but simply relaxing and being part of society. I did not hear a definitive refusal from the Minister regarding extending the deadline to 31 March, indicating some openness to considering pension credit's unique nature in terms of low uptake due to stigma around asking for help.

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