Asked by: Nick Smith (Labour - Blaenau Gwent)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total advertising budget is for the Your Future Your Pension campaign; and how much has been spent on (a) television, (b) newspaper, (c) online, (d) radio and (e) other advertising including the phrase Your Future Your Pension in the last 24 months.
Answered by Esther McVey - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses a variety of free and paid for channels to effectively communicate important reforms and how people are affected.
The channels used are considered the most effective route to reach key audiences, whilst offering value for money. All advertising spend is scrutinised and agreed through the Cabinet Office.
DWP launched an information campaign to help people understand what the State Pension changes mean for them. The multi-channel advertising campaign ‘Your Future, Your Pension’ is part of the Government’s drive to explain the State Pension reforms to both current and future pensioners.
The advertising directs people to the information they need on GOV.UK and encourages relevant groups to request a statement through the Statement Service.
No money was spent on promoting the phrase ‘Your Future, Your Pension’. The money spent on the marketing campaign that includes the phrase ‘your State Pension, your future’ is as follows:
Direct Mail – £6,177
Magazine advertorials – £61,982
There is no specific budget for the use of either phrase within the campaign.
Asked by: Nick Smith (Labour - Blaenau Gwent)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total advertising budget is for the campaign to urge benefits claimants to report changes in their circumstances; and how much has been spent on (a) television, (b) newspaper, (c) online, (d) radio and (e) other advertising using the phrases call us to update your claim before we call you and benefits are you doing the right thing, in the last 24 months.
Answered by Esther McVey - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
Benefit fraud is a crime. Publicity is a vital tool to remind people they must routinely inform the Department if their circumstances change.
In the last year the government recovered more than £1.3 billion in fraudulent payments. Communications plays a vital part in supporting operational activity in achieving this.
Expenditure on publicity/ advertising to prevent benefit fraud | |
Year | Total amount |
2013/14 | £51,503 |
2014/15 | £555,920 |