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Benefits Uprating

Perhaps I ought to declare an interest, in that I am a pensioner. On behalf of my many constituents who are in receipt of benefits, I appreciate my right hon. Friend's statement. Is he aware that in parts of Yorkshire, certainly in west Yorkshire where I live, we have had an awful winter—although I am not blaming him for that? The winter fuel allowance of £250 for those between 60 and 79 and £400 for those over 80 is much appreciated, but that money will quickly go if the weather of the past week or two continues into the new year. Will there be a supplement later if the severe weather continues in Scotland and the north of England? The comments of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions yesterday about single parents are related to those of my right hon. Friend the Minister. Most single parents are not single parents by choice. That situation is visited upon them by a husband—usually—who has left. I am sure that those single parents would prefer to be in work, training, or further or higher education, but they can do that, especially if they have more than one child, only if there is adequate provision of day nurseries. Will the Minister assure me that day nurseries will be provided in every area where they may be needed?