§ 13. Linda GilroyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he is taking to help pensioners to get the housing benefit to which they are entitled. [36338]
§ Malcolm WicksThis April will see the introduction of the Pension Service, bringing with it a more streamlined and seamless benefit claims process for all 15W pensioners, including those claiming housing benefit. And from April 2003, we will no longer ask them to make a repeat claim for housing benefit every year.
Changes to housing benefit to support the introduction of the Pension Credit in April 2003 will mean 1.9 million pensioner households will get more help, or help for the first time, through housing benefit.