HC Deb 15 January 2001 vol 361 cc82-3W
Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to simplify the information required for pensioners to support claims for the minimum income guarantee. [145107]

Mr. Rooker

We are looking at ways of making the minimum income guarantee claim form more customer friendly and in the process reducing its length.

As part of our modernisation program we are investing money in reforms that will ensure that pensioners can access the benefit system in ways that suit them including the telephone or the internet. As a first step we have introduced a new Tele-claim service that allows pensioners to obtain claim forms and receive assistance in completing the necessary paperwork without having to leave home. These developments will reduce the complexity of the current system and will encourage pensioners to claim their correct benefit entitlement. We want to make the system simpler, easier to understand and less trouble for pensioners.

Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further measures he plans to encourage the take-up of the minimum income guarantee by retirement pensioners; and what proposals he has for publicising the changes to be introduced in April. [145106]

Mr. Rooker

The take-up campaign is ongoing and there are many more claims in the pipeline. An update on the success of the take up campaign to the end of January should be available by mid-February. In addition, we are undertaking a further mailshot in March aimed at those pensioners who were previously unsuccessful because of income or capital and will ensure that all relevant literature reflects the changes to be introduced in April. We are determined to ensure pensioners receive their entitlements and we are discussing the scope for further take-up initiatives with the Local Government Association and voluntary organisations.

Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what incentives there are for Benefits Agency staff to improve the take-up rate for the minimum income guarantee for pensioners. [145108]

Mr. Rooker

The performance measures for staff in the Benefits Agency reflect our aims of providing work for those who can and security for those who cannot work. Taking action to encourage eligible pensioners to claim their entitlement to the Minimum Income Guarantee is an integral part of the work undertaken by Benefits Agency staff.