In December, Ministers from the Department of Work and Pensions came to Parliament to answer questions from MPs. Constituents will know that I am always eager to raise their concerns directly with Ministers and to champion their businesses when possible.
I was privileged to ask two separate questions during the same session. In these questions, I hoped to raise the specific challenges faced by pensioners at a time when their household finances are squeezed.
In his first response, the Minister set out broadly what steps are being taken to support pensioners with the cost of energy this year. As the Minister said, more than 8 million pensioner households will receive a £300 payment this winter to top up their winter fuel allowance payment. The 1.4 million pensioners currently in receipt of pension credit may also receive cost of living payments totalling up to £900 in 2023-24.
Following this, I asked about pensioner’s access to benefits and other Government support for those who are stuck in an annuity trap. I was glad to hear the Minster assure me that they are trying to get people to engage in a more considered way with what they do at the point of decumulation of their pension funds.
As promised in his response, I met with the Pensions Minister, Paul Maynard, this afternoon to continue this discussion, for which I am grateful.
To view my questions and the Minister's response, please follow the links below:
