Pension Credit

That this House welcomes the Government’s promotion of Pension Credit to increase its uptake, at long last, given that research by Independent Age had shown that only 61 per cent of those eligible were receiving it; appreciates that Pension Credit can be a gateway benefit for low income pensioners; is concerned by reports of lengthy delays to the processing of Pension Credit claims, with some pensioners forced to wait several months before payment is made; is disappointed by the failure of the Government to prepare for the increase in Pension Credit claims made as a result of its own awareness campaign; calls for additional support to be given to the Department for Work and Pensions to assist processing Pension Credit claims; and recognises the need for immediate action to ensure the most vulnerable in our society receive the support promised by Pension Credit to protect them during what will be a harsh winter.