Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) financial and (b) social assistance support available for single pensioners.

No such assessment has been made.

The Government has announced plans to increase the basic State Pension, the new State Pension and the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit by 8.5% in April 2024. This follows last year’s largest ever cash increase in the State Pension.

The Government also provides additional support to older people. The Winter Fuel Payment, which this year also includes the £300 pensioner Cost of Living Payment, is paid on a household basis meaning a single pensioner will receive £500 or £600 depending on their age.

Regarding social assistance support, under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care market to ensure a diverse range of high quality, sustainable, person-centred care and support services are provided.