Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and Philip Hollobone

Monday 13th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

To help pensioners with rising household bills, will the Government do more to promote pension credit? In the Kettering constituency, almost 18,000 retired people claim the state pension, but fewer than 2,000 claim pension credit, yet this can help with council tax bills, heating costs and so on. Across the country, 1 million pensioners are not claiming the pension credit to which they are entitled, so can the Government do more to increase the uptake of that benefit?

[David Rutley]

My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on these matters, but we also have a doughty Pensions Minister who is working incredibly hard to increase the take-up. I also highlight to him that, as I am sure he knows, winter fuel payments and cold weather payments are also available to help pensioners on low incomes over the winter period.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and Philip Hollobone

Monday 8th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley]

The hon. Gentleman’s constituents will have the opportunity to fill the vacancies that are no doubt in his patch as well as across the country. I can also assure him that we do understand that there will be vulnerable families who need extra support this winter, which is why £1.8 million has been allocated to families in Portsmouth through the local authorities there.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

10. How many people (a) receive the state pension and (b) claim pension credit in Kettering constituency.