Written question asked by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Friday, 29 June 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 July 2001. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Friday, 13 July 2001 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions;Social Security Benefits Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the last winter fuel payment for Winter 2000 was paid. - Inc text of letter from Alexis Cleveland of Social Security Benefits Agency.

Answer: Mr. Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the last Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2000 was paid. [2265] Mr. McCartney: This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. David Willetts, dated 11 July 2001: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when the last winter fuel payment for Winter 2000 was paid. Our records show that the vast majority of Winter 2000 payments were paid automatically before Christmas 2000. However, to allow for payments to be made to customers claiming up to 31 March 2001, the last main tranche of payments for Winter 2000 was processed between 15 and 23 June. These customers should have received their payment within two weeks of processing. Winter fuel payments for Winter 2000 continue to be processed for late claims, appeals and cases with other outstanding issues. Payments will be ongoing until these claims are cleared.

Secondary information