§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans have been made to assist people with the cost of heating in the event of severe weather in the coming winter: and taking account of wind chill and damp, what is the Government's definition of "severe".
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§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)The main help with heating costs is through the supplementary benefit scale rates and weekly heating additions. The Government have also referred to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) proposals for a new system for extra help with fuel bills during periods of exceptionally cold weather. It is proposed that help would be given when the average temperature recorded at the appropriate weather station for a local office area was –1.5°C, or less, over the benefit week. The Government are currently considering the Committee's response on the proposal. A copy of the consultation document is in the Library.