§ 20. Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)What estimate he has made of the numbers of people entitled to social security benefits who are not claiming them. [115884]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security (Mr. Hugh Bayley)Estimates on take-up of benefits are published annually. While take-up of benefits among some client groups is high, there is a particular and long-standing problem of relatively low take-up of income support among pensioners. We have therefore decided to focus on that group, and, last week, announced details of a take-up campaign which will identify pensioners who may be entitled and encourage them to claim their minimum income guarantee.
§ Ann ClwydWill my hon. Friend take the opportunity to pay tribute to voluntary organisations such as Age 628 Concern in the Cynon Valley, whose advice surgery I visited last week? That organisation has enabled thousands of people in my constituency to take advantage of the benefits to which they are entitled. Will he ensure that, in the Government's advertising campaign to start in May, it is made clear that claiming benefits to which one is entitled has no stigma at all attached to it?
§ Mr. BayleyYes, we will do that. We will encourage people to claim, because it is their entitlement and their right to do so. We shall have an extremely vigorous campaign, and welcome any support that we receive from voluntary bodies in pursuing that take-up campaign, and in making it more successful than it has been hitherto.