HC Deb 07 February 1991 vol 185 cc250-1W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of people of pensionable age qualify for cold weather payments.

Mr. Newton

By today, the severe weather payments scheme had already come into operation in nearly half the areas defined for this purpose, and all the indications were that this number would rapidly be extended. In these circumstances, and in order to help ensure that vulnerable groups take appropriate steps to keep warm, DSS offices are being instructed to waive the seven-day qualifying period and to bring the scheme into operation in every area. We are also increasing the payment from £5 to £6 for any qualifying week. There are over 1.5 million pensioner households on income support, of whom we would expect a substantial proportion to qualify.