§ 20. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners will be in receipt of means-tested benefits as a result of the introduction of the Pension Credit. [117302]
§ Maria EagleAround half of all pensioner households will be entitled to Pension Credit when it is introduced in October and stand to gain £400 a year on average. We are committed to ensuring that as many of them as possible take it up.
We estimate that by October 2003 around 1.8 million MIG claims will be automatically transferred to Pension Credit. Between October 2003 and October 2004 we expect to take on a further million successful applicants for Pension Credit.
We also expect an additional 250,000 pensioners to become newly entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from October.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what use of regional and local media his Department proposes to make in publicising Pension Credit and encouraging take-up. [117287]
§ Maria EagleWe want as many pensioners as possible to take up their entitlement to Pension Credit which will be worth £400 a year on average to each pensioner household.
We plan a comprehensive campaign, including national press and TV advertising as well as flyers in regional and local papers and magazines.