Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps he is taking to improve take-up of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit among eligible pensioners in Wales; and what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government and local authorities on coordinating efforts to increase take-up of those benefits and Council Tax Reduction.

Maximising Pension Credit take-up is a key Government priority. The Government has been running its biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign across Great Britain, encouraging pensioners and their families to check their eligibility and make a claim.

This has been reinforced through the autumn campaign and Pension Credit Week of Action from 12 October, including advertising across television, radio, print and social media, supported by media partnerships and social media influencers.

Around 660,000 leaflets are also being distributed to selected households across Great Britain, and DWP continues to work closely with partners and local authorities to support the campaign.

DWP is also bringing together the administration of pensioner Housing Benefit and Pension Credit to deliver a more joined-up service, improve access to financial support and help ensure that more pensioners receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. Council Tax Reduction is devolved in Wales.

My department continues to engage with the Welsh Government and relevant partners to ensure that reserved and devolved support works effectively for people in Wales.