Benefits (Hansard, 10 April 1984)

§ Mrs. Renée Short
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total of unclaimed welfare benefit for the United Kingdom as a whole; how much is unclaimed in each region; what steps he is taking to improve take-up; and if he will ensure that those entitled to benefit actually receive it.

§ Mr. Newton
The following table gives the latest available estimates of unclaimed benefit in respect of 197W Great Britain for those benefits where take-up is known to be a problem and where estimates are available. I regret that regional information is not available. Information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Year Benefit Estimated Annual Amount of Unclaimed Benefit £ million

1981 Supplementary Benefit ^*760

1978–79 Family Income Supplement †15

1981–82 One Parent Benefit ‡25

1981 Free Welfare Foods ^*44

^* Source: Family Expenditure Survey 1981

† Source: Family Finances Survey 1978–79

‡ Source: OPCS and Social Security Administrative sources.

The Government's objective is to ensure that all those who might be entitled to benefit know what is available and we promote take-up of benefits in a variety of ways. A programme of general advertising is maintained. Forms and leaflets are being re-designed to make them clear and more effective. Postal claiming, which enables the public to deal with social security matters in the privacy of their own homes, is being further developed. More freephone information and advice services are being introduced. Advertisements for other relevant benefits are included in child benefit order books. Other measures have also been taken in respect of particular benefits.

§ Mr. Ralph Howell
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the amount paid or estimated to be paid to unemployed people, including those men aged 60 to 65 years taken off the register, in each year from 1978–79 to 1983–84 in (a) unemployment benefit, (b supplementary benefit and (c) housing benefit.

§ Dr. Boyson
The information requested is as follows:

£ million

Year Unemployment benefit ^*Supplementary benefit Housing benefit

1979–80 653 765 50

1980–81 1,280 1,185 60

1981–82 1,702 2,300 90

1982–83 1,500 3,370 †290

1983–84 1,528 3,605 †1,030

^* Prior to the full introduction of the housing benefit scheme in April 1983 supplementary benefit included assistance with rent and rates.

† Reflects the partial start of the housing benefit scheme in November 1982 and the full start in April 1983.

Year	Benefit	Estimated Annual Amount of Unclaimed Benefit £ million
1981	Supplementary Benefit	^*760
1978–79	Family Income Supplement	†15
1981–82	One Parent Benefit	‡25
1981	Free Welfare Foods	^*44
^* Source: Family Expenditure Survey 1981
† Source: Family Finances Survey 1978–79
‡ Source: OPCS and Social Security Administrative sources.

£ million
Year	Unemployment benefit	^*Supplementary benefit	Housing benefit
1979–80	653	765	50
1980–81	1,280	1,185	60
1981–82	1,702	2,300	90
1982–83	1,500	3,370	†290
1983–84	1,528	3,605	†1,030
^* Prior to the full introduction of the housing benefit scheme in April 1983 supplementary benefit included assistance with rent and rates.
† Reflects the partial start of the housing benefit scheme in November 1982 and the full start in April 1983.