Written question asked by Richard Bacon (Conservative) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement on measures taken by his Department relating to the take-up of pension credit. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Bacon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on measures taken by his Department relating to the take-up of pension credit. [224431] Malcolm Wicks: We continue to devote considerable effort and resources to increasing levels of pension credit take-up. We have already written to every pensioner household in the country about pension credit and we are re- contacting directly, by mail, telephone or personal visit, those people whom we believe particularly likely to be eligible. New marketing campaigns seek to overcome the barriers which might prevent take-up of pension credit and the reasons which people give for not applying. The Pension Service local service continues to work in partnership with local authorities and the voluntary sector, particularly in identifying and contacting older people who are vulnerable or who have yet to take up their entitlement.

Secondary information