HC Deb 24 May 2004 vol 421 cc1475-6W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Hull, North are eligible for pension credit; and what the takeup rate is. [174792]

Malcolm Wicks

The minimum income guarantee (MIG) was replaced by pension credit on 6 October 2003. Those who were receiving MIG immediately prior to that date were transferred automatically to pension credit. Information on the number of people who are eligible for pension credit is not available in respect of individual constituencies. However, we estimate that approximately 350,000 pensioner households in the Yorkshire and Humberside Government office region (rounded to the nearest 50,000) are eligible for pension credit. This estimate is based on data from the Family Resources Survey for 2001–02. A revised estimate, based on data from the Family Resources Survey for 2002–03, will be available early in June.

The number of recipients of MIG and pension credit in Hull, North in October 2003 and April 2004 respectively is shown in the table.

Minimum income guarantee and pension credit recipients, Hull,

North, October 2003

Number
Minimum income guarantee (3 October 2003)
Households 3,425
Individuals 4,100
Pension credit (30 April 2004)
Households 4,485
Individuals 5,565
Notes:
1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.
2. Figures for individuals include a small number of partners under age 60.