Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Bradley (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 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 estimate she has made of the average value of the reduction in VAT on fuel to a pensioner on income support.

Answer: Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the average value of the reduction in VAT on fuel to a pensioner on income support; and if she will make a statement. [14991] Mr. Keith Bradley: Everyone will see the benefit of the reduction in the rate of VAT on fuel in their winter fuel bills. In addition, this winter and next pensioner households in receipt of income support will receive an additional payment of £50 to help with fuel costs, and other pensioner households will receive £20. The current average value of the reduction in VAT on fuel to a pensioner in receipt of income support including the higher pensioner premium is 25 pence per week.

Secondary information