§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people eligible for but not claiming Council Tax Benefit in(a) the City of Edinburgh local authority area, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in 2002–03. [138684]
§ Mr. PondThe information is not available.
Statistics for Great Britain are presented in the DWP series "Income Related Benefits Estimates of Take-Up". The latest estimates relate to financial year 2000–01 and are in the Library.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve the take-up of Council Tax Benefit among pensioners. [138688]
§ Mr. PondCouncil Tax Benefit is administered by over 400 local authorities, each of which is required by legislation to take appropriate steps to ensure that people with a potential entitlement to Council Tax Benefit are made aware of the help available. Information is also contained in leaflet GL17 "Help with your Council Tax Benefit" as well as various other information leaflets and posters produced by the Department.
Applicants for Pension Credit are asked if they want to claim Council Tax Benefit and they are either sent or given a claim form to return to their local authority. A similar approach is being taken when a customer 788W changes address. The claim packs for Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance also include a claim form for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.