Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 November 2005. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 17 November 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Pensioners (Benefits)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many pensioners in (a) Crewe and Nantwich borough and (b) England are (i) receiving pension credit and (ii) eligible for but not claiming pension credit;

Answer: Information on numbers of households and individuals in receipt of pension credit at 30 June 2005 is contained in the most recent quarterly pension credit progress report published on 20 October. A copy of the report is in the Library.As at May 2005 there were (a) 3,300 pensioner households in Crewe and Nantwich and (b) 1,634,6000 pensioner households in England receiving both pension credit and council tax benefit.It is becoming clear that the number of people who are eligible for pension credit is somewhat less than the initial estimate. National Statistics showing the number of pensioners entitled to pension credit at a national level in the first six months after its introduction and the subsequent take-up rate are expected to be available in December. Information at constituency level will not be possible. The precise date of release of these statistics and the publication plans for the following set, covering 2004–05, will be pre-announced in ““National Statistics Updates””; the diary of statistical releases.

Secondary information