§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security What is the total amount currently spent by his Department on advertising and Publicity in promoting greater awareness of the availability of benefits; and what proportion of the budget is specifically targeted at(a) pensioners and (b) eligible pensioners who are not currently claiming the full amount of benefits. [4735]
§ Mr. BurtThe allocation for the current financial year for publicity and advertising is:
- Headquarters; £3,855,000
- Benefits agency: £5,009,000
- War pensions agency; £20,000
The headquarters allocation is for the promotion of awareness of in-work benefits such as family credit and disability working allowance.
The Benefits Agency figure covers the cost of the BA leaflet programme, posters audio cassettes, etcetera, giving information on all the social security benefits administered by the BA.
The War Pensions Agency looks for opportunities to increase awareness by the free display of its leaflets and posters in places such as doctors' surgeries, war museums, post offices, hospital waiting rooms, etcetera. This targets not only potential new claimants but those who may be eligible to claim increased pension and allowances.
The Department ensures that people are in a position to make informed choices on whether to claim benefit. It provides information which is comprehensive, accurate, accessible and easily understood which enables people to establish their eligibility. The Benefits Agency, for example, makes available all information on the social security benefits it administers through outlets including all BA offices, post offices and intermediaries such as the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and Age Concern. Ultimately, individuals may decide for various reasons not to claim.
It is not possible to identify separately promotional expenditure specifically for pensioners.