§ 20. Mr. DismoreWhat assessment she has made of inequality in pensioner incomes. [34062]
§ Mr. DenhamWe want today's and tomorrow's pensioners to enjoy security in retirement. Income inequality between the best and worst-off pensioners has grown since 1979, and estimates show that that inequality is set to widen in the future.
§ Mr. DismoreIs my hon. Friend aware that a quarter of pensioners are on income support, and that pensioner 20 poverty is a serious problem, particularly in Burnt Oak and Colindale wards in my constituency? Next week, I am due to visit a pensioners luncheon club. Can my hon. Friend tell me what progress I can report to those pensioners when I meet them?
§ Mr. DenhamA quarter of pensioners are entitled to income support, but many of them are not receiving it. That is why, next month, we are launching nine pilot projects using the most up-to-date computer data techniques to identify those pensioners. We shall work with local authorities and local voluntary organisations to find the best ways of encouraging them to do so. I hope that, on my hon. Friend's visit to the lunch club, he will raise awareness of the Government's action for the poorest pensioners.