Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of pensioner poverty.

The Government is committed to action to alleviate pensioner poverty. For current pensioners, this includes the contribution of the State Pension and Pension Credit.

From April, subject to Parliamentary approval, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be around £720 more in 2022/23 than if it had been up-rated by prices since 2010 - a rise of over £2,300 in cash terms. Over the last two years the basic and new State Pension has increased by over 5.6%.

This Government is committed to providing a secure and dignified retirement for those pensioners who would otherwise find themselves without an adequate income. Pension Credit is an income-related benefit paid out of general taxation which targets help at the poorest pensioner households. Around 1.4 million eligible pensioners across Great Britain receive around £5 billion annually in Pension Credit, which tops up their retirement income and act as a passport to other financial help, such as support with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.

The overall trend in the percentage of pensioners living in poverty shows a significant fall over recent decades and there are 200,000 fewer pensioners in absolute poverty (both before and after housing costs) than in 2009/10.

For future pensioners, the Government has introduced auto-enrolment into workplace pensions, which has transformed pension saving for millions of workers. As part of the £500m Plan for Jobs expansion, we are funding an enhanced support package for workers aged 50 and over to help them to stay in and return to work. Older workers will receive better information and guidance on later life planning, helping them make informed choices and supporting them to plan their career and remain in work. For those who have lost their jobs, this funding will ensure that older job seekers on Universal Credit receive more intensive, tailored support as they look to take the next step in their career. Our network of 50 PLUS Champions (formerly Older Claimants Champions) across all 37 Jobcentre Plus districts, will enable and encourage Work Coaches to direct suitable Plan for Jobs and local support to claimants aged 50 and over.