HC Deb 15 March 2004 vol 419 cc89-91W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of pensioners in the Tamworth constituency are in receipt of(a) winter fuel payments and (b) pension credit. [160084]

Malcolm Wicks

As at winter 2002–03, the last full year for which figures are available, there were 15,225 winter fuel payments made to people aged over 60 in the Tamworth constituency. We cannot provide an estimate of the percentage of eligible people in receipt of a winter fuel payment, since payments are based on household composition and complete information on household circumstances is not available.

At 29 February 2004 there were 3,165 households (3,930 individuals) in receipt of pension credit in the Tamworth constituency. It is not possible to express these figures as percentages of pensioners, since relevant population estimates are not held at constituency level.

Notes:

  1. 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.
  2. 2. Pension credit recipients include a small number of partners under age 60.
  3. 3. Pension credit figures exclude a small number of clerical cases.

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners are not receiving their pension credit entitlement. [160845]

Malcolm Wicks

There is no reliable estimate of the number of pensioners not currently receiving their pension credit entitlement.

We estimate that there are approximately 3.8 million pensioner households in Great Britain likely to be eligible for Pension Credit. Estimates of entitlement are known only with a significant margin of error as they are based on survey data, published after a time lag.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions today announced latest progress on take up of Pension Credit. I am pleased to report that as at 29 February, there were 2.26 million households in Great Britain, comprising approximately 2.73 million individuals, receiving Pension Credit. This number increased by 83,000 households or 110,000 individuals in the last month alone and the number continues to grow.

The hon. Member will be interested to learn that 2,653 households now receive Pension Credit in his constituency with an average award of £44.08.

Mrs. Brooke

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on pension credit. [160853]

Malcolm Wicks

Pension Credit is making a real difference to the lives of millions of pensioners. As the progress report published today shows, there are 2.26 million pensioner households, comprising some 2.73 million individuals, now receiving Pension Credit.

Some 1.61 million households, comprising approximately 1.93 million individuals, are now receiving more money than they did under the old Minimum Income Guarantee system.

In the hon. Member's constituency some 2,661 households are now receiving Pension Credit, with an average award of £35.60.