Written question asked by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2003. It was answered by Chris Pond (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003 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, what steps he is taking to improve the take-up of council tax benefit amongst pensioners. - Inc ref to "Help with your Council Tax Benefit".

Answer: John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to improve the take- up of Council Tax Benefit among pensioners. [138688] Mr. Pond: Council Tax Benefit is administered by over 400 local authorities, each of which is required by legislation to take appropriate steps to ensure that people with a potential entitlement to Council Tax Benefit are made aware of the help available. Information is also contained in leaflet GL17 "Help with your Council Tax Benefit" as well as various other information leaflets and posters produced by the Department. Applicants for Pension Credit are asked if they want to claim Council Tax Benefit and they are either sent or given a claim form to return to their local authority. A similar approach is being taken when a customer changes address. The claim packs for Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance also include a claim form for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Secondary information