§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will extend the deadline for claiming severe weather payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MajorThe Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) (Amendment) Regulations 1986 provide for claims to be made within 13 weeks of the end of a period of exceptionally cold weather. The period was increased from 28 days in the original proposals following consultation with the Social Security Advisory Committee. We have no plans to amend the regulations.
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§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cold weather payments have been made in 1987 at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. MajorUp to 10 March, the latest date for which information is available, approximately 2 million exceptionally cold weather payments of £5 had been made.