Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Emma Reynolds

Monday 16th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)]

T6. Many of my more senior constituents are concerned about their finances and winter fuel payments, especially those just above the threshold. In Slough, 1,688 households are currently eligible for pension credit but not claiming this vital benefit, so what steps is the Department taking to increase the uptake and ensure that those who are not eligible are not left out in the cold?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Emma Reynolds)]

I place on record my thanks to the 160 local authorities that have worked with the Department for Work and Pensions to raise awareness of applying for pension credit, and also to the various charities around the country that have worked with us. The number of people claiming pension credit has doubled—a record number—and we are processing those claims at pace.