Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Thursday, 31 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress has been made in developing improvements to the Fuel Direct scheme; what the purpose of an improved scheme will be; and by what date a revised scheme is likely to be in place.

Answer: Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress has been made in developing improvements to the Fuel Direct scheme; what the purpose of an improved scheme will be; and by what date a revised scheme is likely to be in place. [79495] Malcolm Wicks: The Fuel Direct scheme is designed to protect the fuel supplies of people receiving income- related benefits--particularly families--who have run up arrears, by making payments direct from their benefit to the supplier until the debt is cleared. The scheme works well and there are no plans for a radical overhaul. As part of the Government's Fuel Poverty Strategy the Department has been working with the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to make a number of operational improvements to the scheme for the benefit of both customers and suppliers. The first stage of these improvements was introduced in March 2001 and work is underway to further modernise the scheme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392 c406-7W;392 c312W; 79495
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Debts Fuel poverty Heating Recipients Means-tested benefits Fuel direct scheme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk