All 1 Debates between Kieran Mullan and Emma Reynolds

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Debate between Kieran Mullan and Emma Reynolds
Tuesday 10th September 2024

(3 months, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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I will come on to the issue the hon. Gentleman raises in just a moment.

On pension credit, my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester West (Liz Kendall) the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Deputy Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Angela Rayner) have written to all local authorities asking them to redouble their efforts to reach those pensioners who could benefit from pension credit. [Interruption.] The Opposition Front Bench might grumble, but it is a far sight more than they ever did when they were in power. We are joining forces with charities such as Age UK and Citizens Advice to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply. We will be delivering a major campaign in print and broadcast media, including to urge people to reach out to retired family, friends and neighbours to get them to check if they are eligible.

Kieran Mullan Portrait Dr Mullan
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Will the Minister give way, on that point?

Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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No, I will not.

For the very first time, we are writing to all pensioners in receipt of housing benefit who are potentially eligible to encourage them to claim pension credit—again, something that the last Conservative Government never did.