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Dept of Social Security;Social Security Benefits Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what percentage of winter fuel payment cheques issued over the winter of 1997 were returned to local benefit agencies in (a) each London borough and (b) each London parliamentary constituency; and what was the national average; how long he estimates it...

Asked by

Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Social Security Benefits Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 November 1998

Reference

319 c401-2W;319 c400-2W; 59390;59392;59391;59393

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security;Social Security Benefits Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many cheques, and of what total value, have been returned by post and sub post offices as unclaimed by eligible pensioners for winter fuel payments. - Text of letter from Peter Mathison of Benefits Agency.

Asked by

Lord Pickles (Conservative)

Answering body

Social Security Benefits Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

28 October 1998

For answer on

11 November 1998

Answered on

11 November 1998

Mr. Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many cheques, and of what total value, have been returned by post and sub post offices as unclaimed by eligible pensioners for winter fuel payments. [57407] Angela Eagle: The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Eric Pickles, dated 10 November 1998: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question about how many cheques, and of what total value, have been returned by post and sub post offices as unclaimed by eligible pensioners for winter fuel payments. The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost 10 million pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998, was a challenging task for the Benefits Agency (BA). This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business. During March this year, five million Winter Fuel Payment girocheques were sent to the Post Office for collection by those pensioners who receive a statement retirement pension or widow's benefit and are paid by order book. Arrangements were made for the Post Office clerk to identify the relevant customers, as they called to collect their pension, hand them the envelope containing their girocheque, and a letter explaining the reason for the payment. Post Offices were instructed to return any uncollected girocheques to the nearest BA office on 1 May 1998. Approximately two percent of the total number of girocheques, with a value of either £10 or £20, were returned. The information on the total value of all payments returned is only available at disproportionate cost. It may be helpful if I explain the action that was taken on receipt of each undelivered payment. An investigation was undertaken to establish the reason why the payment had not been collected. Where it was confirmed that the pensioner was still alive a replacement payment was issued. Where the pensioner had recently died but nevertheless there was entitlement to a payment, the BA took action to pay the amount due to the next of kin or executor of the deceased's estate. About 98% of girocheques issued to the Post Office were collected. Of the remainder, around half were returned because there was no entitlement (for example, because the customer was abroad, in hospital for an extensive period, or had died). Many of the other girocheques were not collected because of short or medium term hospitalization or spells abroad, or customer's death during or after the qualifying week. In these cases, entitlement remained, and the girocheques have now been replaced except in a very small number of cases (for example, where further evidence is required). In making this year's Winter Fuel Payments, around the same number will be sent to the Post Office for delivery during January 1999. The Post Office have been asked to ensure all their staff are proactive in issuing the payments the first time the pensioner calls after the Post Office receive the pensioner's giro payment. The Winter Fuel Payment leaflet also advises pensioners whose payment has been sent to the Post Office to ask the clerk in the office they normally collect the payment from, if they have not been given their payment by the end of January 1999. I hope you find this reply helpful.

Date

11 November 1998

Reference

57407; 319 c228W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security;Social Security Benefits Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what is his estimate of the number of pensioner households entitled to winter fuel payments for winter 1997-98 who have not yet been paid in full. - Inc figures. Text of letter from Peter Mathison of Benefits Agency.

Asked by

Christopher Chope (Conservative)

Answering body

Social Security Benefits Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

19 October 1998

For answer on

26 October 1998

Answered on

26 October 1998

Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of pensioner households entitled to winter fuel payments for winter 1997-98 who have not yet been paid in full; and if he will make a statement. [55856] Angela Eagle: The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 22 October 1998: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what is his estimate of the number of pensioner households entitled to Winter Fuel Payments for winter 1997-98 who have not yet been paid in full. The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost 10 million pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998 has been a challenging task for the Benefits Agency (BA). This was achieved whilst maintaining normal benefit business. In excess of 9.76 million Winter Fuel Payments were made automatically by 31 March 1998. Based on official records all eligible pensioners have been issued with a payment. However, it is likely that a small number of customers have not yet been paid because the original girocheque was not cashed, or customers have not yet queried their entitlement. It is not possible to estimate how many of these cases are outstanding. If, however any eligible pensioner feels that they are entitled to an initial or further payment, they should apply to the BA for a review of their entitlement. Thank you for the opportunity to explain the position.

Date

26 October 1998

Reference

318 c33W; 55856

House

House of Commons

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Answered by

Peter Kilfoyle (Labour)

Answering body

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

21 October 1998

Reference

317 c1263-4

House

House of Commons

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Answered by

Peter Kilfoyle (Labour)

Answering body

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

21 October 1998

Reference

317 c1263-4

House

House of Commons

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

1st supplementary on greater involvement of private sector in implementation of Citizens Charter, and winter fuel payments.

Asked by

Nicholas Winterton (Conservative)

Answering body

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

21 October 1998

Reference

317 c1263-4

House

House of Commons

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, How he monitors (a) the effectiveness and (b) the consistency of citizens' charters across Government.

Asked by

Nicholas Winterton (Conservative)

Answering body

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

21 October 1998

Reference

317 c1263-4; 54716

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

1st supplementary on non-receipt of winter fuel payments last year.

Asked by

Christopher Chope (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c940-1

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Supplementary on take-up of pensions and the need to take into account the wind chill factor when awarding winter fuel payments.

Asked by

Margaret Ewing (Scottish National Party)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c941-2

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Answered by

Angela Eagle (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c940-1

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Answered by

Angela Eagle (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c941

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Supplementary on the information campaign regard winter fueld payments.

Asked by

Lord Pickles (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c941

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Answered by

Angela Eagle (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c941-2

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, If he will comment on his Department's assistance for pensioners. - Inc figs. (Failed OPQ).

Asked by

Mike Gapes (Labour; Co-operative Party)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

53502; 317 c957W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

Answered by

Angela Eagle (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c940-1

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, If he will make a statement about winter fuel payments for the coming winter.

Asked by

Christopher Chope (Conservative)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

19 October 1998

Reference

317 c940-1; 53471

House

House of Commons

Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Amendment Regulations 1998

SI 1998/1910 (Negative instrument). Coming into force 20 November 1998.

Department

Department of Social Security

Type

Statutory instruments

Date

11 August 1998

Reference

SI 1998/1910

House

House of Commons; House of Lords

Dept of Social Security;Social Security Benefits Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many pensioner households in Scotland (a) were entitled to receive the winter fuel payment, (b) received their winter fuel payment by (i) January, (ii) February and (iii) March 1998, (c) received incorrect winter fuel payments and (d) received duplicate winter...

Asked by

David Rendel (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Social Security Benefits Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

27 July 1998

For answer on

31 July 1998

Answered on

31 July 1998

Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioner households in Scotland (a) were entitled to receive the winter fuel payment, (b) received their winter fuel payment by (i) January, (ii) February and (iii) March 1998, (c) received incorrect winter fuel payments and (d) received duplicate winter fuel payments. [53709] Mr. Denham: Winter fuel payments are one of a number of initiatives the Government has taken to help vulnerable people, especially the elderly, keep warm this winter. Originally a total of £400 million was committed for two years (97-98 and 98-99), to help pensioners with fuel bills to pay. As announced during the statement to the House on 17 July 1998, Official Report, columns 703-15, a further £0.5 billion has been allocated to extend the scheme beyond next winter. This will provide each eligible pensioner household with an annual £20 winter fuel payment. The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Rendel dated 30 July 1998: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many pensioner households in Scotland (a) were entitled to receive the winter fuel payment, (b) received their winter fuel payment by (i) January, (ii) February and (iii) March 1998, (c) received incorrect winter fuel payments and (d) received duplicate winter fuel payments. The information is not available in the format requested and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The making of Winter Fuel Payments to almost ten million eligible pensioners, in over seven million households, before the end of March 1998 was a challenging task for the Benefits Agency. This was achieved whilst maintaining normal business. We issued 1,441,614 £50 payments to the poorest pensioners, those receiving Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), by 31 January. Other eligible pensioners were entitled to a payment of £20 or £10. Where they lived alone, were the only eligible pensioner in a household, or were of no fixed abode, they were entitled to £20; otherwise, they were entitled to £10. In order to establish other eligible pensioners, correctly identify pensioner households, and determine the amount each should receive, it was necessary to correlate data. This involved around fifteen million computer records, fifteen qualifying benefits, across nine computer systems. Where only one eligible person was identified as living at an address a payment of £20 was made and if more than one eligible person was identified as living at an address a payment of £10 was made. By the end of March we issued a further 8,326,715 payments to these eligible customers. Where official Departmental records were not correct or incomplete, it was possible that the amount of some payments may not have corresponded with the actual circumstances. For example, there were cases where two eligible pensioners lived at the same address and in the same household, but the address details held on the relevant benefit computer records were incorrect or incomplete for either or both of them. In such cases, the data correlation exercise may not have identified more than one eligible person at an address and in accordance with the provisions of the legislation each were entitled to a payment of £20. There is no overprovision in such instances, but any voluntary offer to repay any amount would be accepted. Of payments made to IS and income-based JSA pensioners in January we are aware that some payments were incorrectly made or duplicated. We know that 9,357 payments were made where information held within official records indicated payment was inappropriate. A further 211 duplicate payments were made to those pensioners who transferred from IS to income-based JSA during the qualifying week of 5 January 1998. Of the relevant payments this represents a 0.68 per cent. error rate. In financial terms the total cost of these errors amounts to £488,400, and against this represents 0.68 per cent. of the total sum issued of £72,080,700. In addition we also know that due to a computer operator error, 40,801 IS payments were sent out with an incorrect issue date on them. All these girocheques were replaced automatically within 72 hours. To date we are aware that in 438 cases both the original and replacement payments have been cashed. I hope you find this information helpful.

Date

31 July 1998

Reference

317 c756-8W; 53709

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the extension of the winter fuel payment scheme beyond next winter will include separate (a) £10, (b) £20 and (c) £50 payments per pensioner household depending on the rules of entitlement; and what will be the administration cost per payment....

Asked by

David Rendel (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

27 July 1998

For answer on

30 July 1998

Answered on

30 July 1998

Mr. Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the extension of the winter fuel payment scheme beyond next winter will include separate (a) £10, (b) £20 and (c) £50 payments per pensioner household depending on the rules of entitlement; and what will be the administration cost per payment. [53710] Mr. Denham: Forming part of the £2.5 billion pensions package announced on 17 July, a further £0.5 billion has been allocated to extend the Winter Fuel payments scheme beyond next winter. From the winter of 1999-2000 all eligible pensioner households will receive £20. The precise details of the extended scheme have yet to be determined, but it is expected to be similar to the existing provision which provides £20 to every eligible pensioner household not receiving Income Support. Under the existing provision, those who live alone, those who are the only eligible pensioner in a household, or are without accommodation receive a payment of £20. Otherwise, each eligible person receives a payment of £10, including each person in a couple where they are both entitled to a payment. From April 1999, pensioners receiving Income Support will receive increased amounts of weekly benefit--three times the increase they would have got under the usual Income Support uprating rules. In addition, some pensioners with incomes at, or just slightly above, the current levels of Income Support will become entitled to Income Support. We will also be introducing for the first time, a new delivery system to begin to help the estimated one million pensioners currently missing out on extra benefit they are entitled to. Until the precise details of the Winter Fuel payment provision beyond next winter are determined and decisions are taken on the most appropriate and cost- effective delivery mechanisms it is not possible to establish the administration costs of each payment made.

Date

30 July 1998

Reference

317 c477-8W; 53710

House

House of Commons

Dept of Social Security

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to be able to announce the qualifying week for next winter's fuel payments; and when these payments will be made. - Includes figures.

Asked by

Tony McNulty (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Social Security

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

30 July 1998

Reference

317 c478W; 54886

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

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House

Session

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Department

Member

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Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

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