Personal Saving Allowance (PSA) and Zero rate tax band

If my only income is a State Pension (approx £700 per month) and my savings interest from non ISAs exceeds £1000 for the 23/24 tax year, will I be able to take advantage of the zero rate tax band for savings up to a maximum of £5000? As HMRC are notified automatically of savings interest by UK banks and building societies do I need to inform them?

Hi CumbrianExile d,
If your only income is State Pension and interest and if this is less than £17570 then you will receive the starter rate of £5000.
Please see guidance here:
Tax on savings interest
Thank you.