Written question asked by Maria Fyfe (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what plans he has to extend the heating allowance paid to pensioners on income support to those pensioners who have small private or occupational pensions.

Answer: Mrs. Fyfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to extend the heating allowance paid to pensioners on Income Support to those pensioners who have small private or occupational pensions. [151186] Mr. Rooker: Winter Fuel Payments, this winter £200 for eligible households, are not means tested and are paid to the majority of people from age 60. People eligible for a payment and who might be in receipt of a small private or occupational pension would already be included in the scheme. Cold Weather Payments are paid to people who are in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and get either a disability or pensioner premium or have a child under five. A payment of £8.50 is made automatically when the average temperature at the specified weather station linked to their postcode has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0{o}C or below over seven consecutive days. There are no plans to extend this scheme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 151186; 363 c698-9W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Cold weather payments Income support Eligibility Pensioners Workplace pensions Pensions Winter fuel payment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk