Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to page 9 of the policy paper entitled Fixing the foundations: Public spending audit 2024-25, published on 29 July 2024, what estimate her Department made of the level of uptake of Pension Credit in the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial year.

The estimate included within Fixing the Foundations assumed a 5 percentage point increase in the take-up of Pension Credit during 2024/25 as a behavioural response to the new link between Winter Fuel Payment entitlement and receipt of Pension Credit. The take-up of Pension Credit and benefits more generally can be affected by a range of factors. As a result, estimates of take-up will be subject to review at each Budget (including Autumn Budget 2024).

The Government is determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

As part of the current Pension Credit Week of Action, we have joined forces with national charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

From 16 September, we will be running a national marketing campaign on a range of channels. The campaign will target potential pension-age customers, as well as friends and family who can encourage and support them to apply.

Our future campaign messaging will also focus on encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

We will work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.