Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 1997. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the definition of fuel poverty. [15238] Mr. Roger Evans: The term fuel poverty has no precise meaning and is not adopted by the Department. Extra help has been made available through the benefit scale rates and premiums--which includes help with payment of VAT on fuel--and is worth around £1.4 billion a year to low income families with children and £1.1 billion a year to poorer pensioners. Cold weather payments, which provide help to those most in need during periods of exceptional cold weather, the home energy efficiency scheme and the direct payments scheme, which plays an important role in protecting benefit recipients who might otherwise be at risk of having fuel or water supply disconnected, are further examples of our commitment to helping the most vulnerable. Fuel bills have fallen by more than 1 per cent. in real terms over the last two years, whilst the main income-related benefit rates have continued to be increased in line with inflation.

Secondary information