Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Laura Trott and David Johnston

Monday 23rd January 2023 Commons Chamber

[David Johnston (Wantage) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to encourage eligible pensioners to apply for pension credit.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Laura Trott)]

I hope hon. Members know that pension credit take-up is a priority for me and for the Government. Our £1.2 million communications campaign has been ongoing since April. We had a huge push before Christmas, ahead of the cost of living payments, and I am grateful to the many hon. Members who came to the drop-in session. In addition, I know that my hon. Friend does a huge amount of work in his constituency to boost take-up.

[David Johnston]

I was pleased to support my hon. Friend’s campaign to increase the uptake of pension credit in the run-up to Christmas. Will she update the House as to whether or not that has been a success and whether we have seen an increase in uptake?

[Laura Trott]

I am delighted to tell the House that we saw 7,200 claims in the week commencing 12 December, which is a 177% increase on the previous year. I thank all hon. Members who have worked hard in their constituencies to make this happen.