Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 31 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2006. It was answered by James Purnell (Labour) on Monday, 6 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Winter Fuel Payments

Question: (3) if he will extend the eligibility for winter fuel payments to those groups who are already eligible for cold weather payments; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: There have been no recent meetings with National Energy Action or Energywatch. The Department for Work and Pensions holds a wide range of meeting with stakeholders; and these have covered fuel poverty.Winter fuel payments are made to most people aged 60 or over who are ordinarily resident in Great Britain. Older people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold weather during the winter months. We have no plans to extend the winter fuel payment to other groups who are eligible for cold weather payments.

Secondary information