§ The Minister for Pensions (Malcolm Wicks)I can now provide the latest monthly progress report on the take-up of pension credit, which became payable on 6 October 2003.
There are now 2.61 million pensioner households (3.17 million individuals) being paid pension credit, an increase of 25,000 households (31,000 individuals) during August. As at 31 August, there are 1.94 million households (2.36 million individuals) now receiving more money as a result of the introduction of Pension Credit, gaining by an average £16.33 a week. The average pension credit award is £41.71 per week.
There is plenty of time for pensioners to apply for pension credit. To ensure that people do not lose out, customers whose applications are successful in the period up to October 2004 will have their payment backdated to 6 October 2003 (or to the date of entitlement if this is later). The 2004 Budget statement confirmed that backdating arrangements will continue beyond October 2004. This means that anyone eligible applying after October 2004 will see their payment backdated by up to 12 months.
I am placing in the Library a report showing progress so far, including regional breakdowns of the number of pension credit households and accompanied by tables showing the numbers of pension credit awards in Parliamentary constituencies in Great Britain. Copies of the report and the tables are also available for hon. Members in the Vote Office.