§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to raise allowances for those in need to help pay the high fuel bills caused by the hard winter.
§ Mrs. ChalkerRegulations 26 (1)(a) of the Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) Regulations (1981) provides for a payment to be made to a claimant where a period of exceptionally severe weather has resulted in consumption greater than normal and the claimant's fuel costs are greater than the amount he has set aside to meet them. Guidance on how the regulation should be applied has been issued by the Chief Supplementary Benefit Officer for distribution to local offices. Publicity is being given to the help available.
§ Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether persons on social security benefits may claim a supplementary heating allowance to pay extra costs for heating during the period of extremely low temperatures.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAnyone who is entitled to or in receipt of supplementary benefit can claim a single payment to meet the extra cost of additional fuel consumption as a result of exceptionally severe weather. I refer the hon. Member to the replies my hon. Friend and I gave today to the hon. Members for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) and Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding).