Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Thursday, 29 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 February 1998. It was answered by Lord Bradley (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what measures he will take to increase the level of take up of social security benefits in Wales.

Answer: Mr. Wigley: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he will take to increase the level of take up of social security benefits in Wales. [27145] Mr. Keith Bradley: We would encourage anyone who thinks that they may be entitled to a benefit to make a claim, wherever they live in Britain. We are particularly concerned about the million pensioners not claiming Income Support. We have commissioned research to find out why they do not make a claim, and from April we will be spending £15 million on a number of pilot projects to find the best way of encouraging them to claim. We will take into account any factors which may effect their reluctance to make a claim, including the type of area in which they live.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 306 c624W;306 c622W; 27145
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Income support Pensioners Social security benefits Wales Research Take-up