Written question asked by Roger Gale (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 December 1997. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 22 December 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what plans she has to ensure that cold-weather heating cost payments for the elderly will be paid in time to meet the needs of pensioners whose charges are met through pre-payment key meters; what regulations will apply to the payment of cold-weather heating allowances.

Answer: Mr. Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to ensure that cold-weather heating cost payments for the elderly will be paid in time to meet the needs of pensioners whose charges are met through pre-payment key meters; what regulations will apply to the payment of cold-weather heating allowances; and if she will make a statement. [21906] Mr. Denham: Cold Weather Payments will be triggered when the average temperature at specified weather stations has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0 degrees centigrade or below over seven consecutive days. People awarded Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance who have a pensioner or disability premium or have a child under the age of five are eligible for help and payments will be made automatically. In paying Winter Fuel Payments, priority will be given to pensioners receiving Income Support. The precise provisions which will apply will be made known when the regulations are laid.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21906; 303 c468W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Cold weather payments Costs Energy Heating Pensioners Older people Weather