§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to publicise benefit entitlement to older people as part of the European Year of Older People 1993.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe provision of information on benefit entitlement is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 11 December 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your 77W recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security regarding the publicising of benefit entitlement to older poeple as part of the European Year of Older People 1993.Analysis of research into the needs of our customers has identified the elderly as a priority group for information on benefits. As part of the European Year of Older People a new leaflet, with an associated poster, is planned for issue in May.The leaflet will focus on elderly people who have been retired for several years and the Social Security benefits for which they may qualify but are unaware of. It will cover areas such as help on a low income—including help for people to continue living in the community rather than in care—looking after health, sickness and disability benefits, residential care, death of a partner and payment direct to an account. Council Tax Benefit and the new community care arrangements are included. Mention is also made of some services provided within the local community such as low-cost travel and help within the home.The leaflet will be researched with the target audience to ensure that the language and style are appropriate. It will be distributed through various outlets but particularly to those in contact with elderly people such as day care centres and will be included in post office displays.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will be placed in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.