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Written question asked by Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Torsten Bell (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Housing Benefit and Pension Credit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the implementation of his policy to merge Housing Benefit for pensioners with Pension Credit will require Primary Legislation, and when he expects the new system to be in operation.

Answer

Through bringing together the administration of pensioner Housing Benefit and Pension Credit, we are working to ensure more pensioners receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. This work will deliver a simplified joined-up service that is more effective, consistent, and improves pensioner access to financial support.

There is no requirement for primary legislation changes to deliver this joined-up service, which we will be testing with a small set of customers from Autumn 2026 to ensure improvements are having the impact we expect, before agreeing to roll out more widely.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
858
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Housing benefit Pension credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk