8. Mr. Michael Jabez Foster (Hastings and Rye)What estimate he has made of the number of people who will be eligible in October to receive pension credit in the Hastings and Rye constituency. [92740]
§ The Paymaster General (Dawn Primarolo)Last year, 3,500 pensioners in Hastings and Rye were receiving the minimum income guarantee. They and others will benefit from the pension credit. Nationally, the 426 Department for Work and Pensions aims to ensure that at least 3 million pensioner households receive their entitlement by 2006.
Mr. FosterI thank my right hon. Friend on behalf of the pensioners of Hastings and Rye for the enormous difference that the minimum income guarantee has made to their lives. They receive some 30 per cent. more than they would have received under the Conservatives' inflation-only increases.
I also thank my right hon. Friend for the opportunity for those who have saved to take advantage of the new pension credit, which will ensure that thrift as well as work pays. How will she ensure that each pensioner knows how to make the claims?
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe pensioners who receive the minimum income guarantee will be transferred automatically. We will write to all pensioners to inform them of their entitlement. There will be a national campaign supported by local partners—people who have regular contact with pensioners. Pension Service centres will run surgeries, including drop-in surgeries. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Pensions, and the shadow Chancellor, whose constituency is next door to my hon. Friend's, to ensure that all pensioners receive the massive increase to which they are entitled under the pension credit.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Many hon. Members are standing, but the question relates to only one constituency.