News
January 2005
The Partnership Fund to improve take-up of benefits
A new £13 million fund, which will finance local initiatives to improve take-up of older people’s benefits – particularly those in hard to reach groups – was launched by Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr Wicks said:
“The new fund will allow a mighty coalition of organisations – large and small, voluntary and statutory – to deliver extra help to hard pressed pensioners.
“Through this initiative we will be unleashing a diverse army of health visitors, doctors, receptionists, local authority staff and countless volunteers in communities to ensure the message gets to those who need to hear it most.
“We are determined that a benefit entitlement on paper should become money in the pocket and the new Partnership Fund will help this happen.”
Part of the Government’s Link-Age strategy, The Pension Service Partnership Fund will provide up to two years’ funding to around 170 organisations across Great Britain. These include charities, local authorities, housing associations, NHS Primary Care Trusts, disability and carers groups – all of which will deliver schemes of their own that are designed to enrich older people’s lives.
Find out more about The Partnership Fund and successful applicants