HC Deb 18 September 2003 vol 410 cc900-1W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) TV advertising and (b) other costs are involved in the promotion of new arrangements for state pensions, benefits and tax credits to be paid directly into the bank accounts of claimants. [130029]

Mr. Pond

A budget of up to £25 million is available for the Direct Payment campaign, spread over a three- year period (2002–03 to 2004–05). The campaign raises awareness of all account options for Direct Payment; including bank, building society and Post Office accounts.

TV advertising media costs from the start of the campaign to date total £1,799,000.

Other costs total £4,932,000. This figure breaks down as follows:

£
Radio media 1,239,000
National press media 1,111,000
Regional press media 1,257,000
Magazines 322,000
Ambient media 189,000
Production across all media 814,000

Note:

Figures exclude VAT and apply to the campaign in England, Scotland and Wales only.