Minimum Income Guarantee (Hansard, 13 November 2000)

§ 18. Mrs. Gilroy
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have applied for the minimum income guarantee this year. [136125]

§ Mr. Darling
220,000 pensioners have applied for the Minimum Income Guarantee between January and September this year.

§ 21. Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners who are entitled to the minimum income guarantee who do not claim it. [136128]

§ Mr. Rooker
From statistical surveys based on a 1 per cent. sample it has been estimated that around 500,000 pensioners could be entitled to Minimum Income Guarantee but do not claim it. We shall have a better idea of a figure when the present take-up campaign is concluded, during which we are making direct contact with 2.3 million pensioners.

§ 23. Mr. Nigel Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many senior citizens are eligible for the minimum income guarantee. [136130]

§ Mr. Rooker
Some 2 million pensioners either as single people or couples receive the Minimum Income Guarantee. Figures for those who might be entitled but are not claiming were based on a 1 per cent. sample. We shall have a better idea when the present take-up campaign is concluded, during which we are making direct contact with 2.3 million pensioners.

§ 24. Mr. Crausby
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to help those pensioners whose small occupational pension schemes prevent them from receiving the minimum income guarantee. [136131]

§ Mr. Rooker
The new Pension Credit will help those on modest incomes with small occupational pensions firstly by introducing a new higher guaranteed income and secondly by rewarding savings income.