§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to inform pensioners of their eligibility for the pension credit; and what the costs of such plans are. [118629]
§ Malcolm WicksThe Pension Service has begun to write to pensioner households to explain Pension Credit and to invite advance applications. Around 1.8 million people who currently receive the Minimum Income Guarantee have been told that they will be transferred automatically to Pension Credit, ready for payments to be made from October 2003. By June 2004, all pensioner households will have been contacted. This systematic approach will be supported by regional and national advertising. The marketing campaign for Pension Credit is in its early stages and the level of expenditure may change according to need. However, it is currently estimated that media costs, including direct mailing, television and press advertising, will be in the region of £12–17 million, excluding VAT, to October 2004.