Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 5 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 November 2003. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the average time taken in the last 12 months was to process assessments on low income pensioners' entitlements to an alternative to coal fired heating; and what plans he has to introduce targets to speed up the assessment process. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average time taken in the last 12 months was to process assessments on low income pensioners' entitlements to an alternative to coal fired heating; and what plans he has to introduce targets to speed up the assessment process. [137663] Mr. Spellar: The Warm Homes Plus Scheme provides the free installation of an oil or natural gas central heating system for low-income people over 60 years of age, living in owner occupied or privately rented accommodation, and who are entitled to certain passport benefits. In the last 12 months, the assessment process (from initial referral, to survey of the property) has taken, on average 31 days. This process is continually kept under review to ensure the optimum response time to the large number of applications for assistance from the Scheme. The Housing Executive's heating replacement programme for its housing stock does not involve an assessment of the tenants' entitlements; work is carried out on the basis of the age and condition of the appliance which is to be upgraded.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137663; 413 c44W;413 c44-5W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Eligibility Heating Pensioners Low incomes Northern Ireland Standards Warm homes scheme
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk