Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Monday 16th December 2024

(2 days, 10 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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The Scottish Government have been given a record settlement in the recent Budget. As the hon. Member knows, winter fuel payments and other benefits are devolved to the Scottish Government.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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I thank the residents of York for donating to my thermals collection on Saturday, but I know that older people in the city of York will really struggle this winter. Will the Minister say how many people across the country have signed up to pension credit since July and what additional steps will be taken to ensure that those who miss the 21 December deadline will still be able to get support to keep warm this winter?

Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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Claims have more than doubled—they have increased by 145% since late July—and we are working at pace to process those claims. We have deployed an additional 500 staff to ensure that those on the lowest incomes get the pension credit that they need.