Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, For what reason the winter fuel allowance has been increased to £200 for the current year only; and what the administrative cost is of this change. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason the Winter Fuel Allowance has been increased to £200 for the current year only; and what the administrative cost is of this change. [142146] Mr. Rooker: As part of the transitional arrangements to our new pension reform, we decided to increase the Winter Fuel Payment--for this winter only--to £200. This is double the amount paid last winter to qualifying households. Within the overall context of the scheme as a whole, the extra cost of making this change is likely to be very small.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 360 c76W; 142146
Session: 2000-01
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Costs Pensions Older people Social security benefits Reform Winter fuel payment
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk