Written question asked by John Leech (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 6 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2006. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Gas Prices

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if the Government will increase (a) state pensions and (b) the winter fuel allowance to take account of increases in gas prices.

Answer: The state pension is increased annually to take account of price inflation, including gas and electricity. The winter fuel payment has risen from £20 in winter 1997–98 to £200 from winter 2000–01 and to £300 for those aged 80 or over from winter 2003–04. We are therefore already providing a significant contribution towards fuel costs. The Chancellor announced in the pre-Budget report that the winter fuel payment will continue at the current rate for the remainder of this Parliament.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 50372; 442 c1952-3W;442 c1952-3W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Pensioners Natural gas Prices State retirement pensions Winter fuel payment
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk