§ 17. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received in the last month concerning the operation of the cold weather payments system; and if she will make a statement. [14646]
§ Mr. DenhamSince 17 October I have received 29 representations on a number of aspects of the scheme.
§ 34. Mr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in relation to cold weather payments, how many new weather stations are to be created in the United Kingdom as a whole; and how many will be located in(a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland and (c) Renfrewshire. [14665]
§ Mr. DenhamTwo additional weather stations will be introduced into the scheme this winter within Great Britain. Both are located in Scotland but neither are in Renfrewshire.
Questions concerning Cold Weather Payments in Northern Ireland should be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received about cold weather payments. [14657]
§ Mr. DenhamWe have received 59 representations from hon. Members, members of the public and national organisations on a number of aspects of the scheme.
§ 24. Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the expected increase in Government expenditure on cold weather payments this year. [14653]
§ Mr. DenhamEntitlement to Cold Weather Payments is based on either the recorded or the forecast average air temperature over any seven consecutive days. It is not possible to estimate the expected level of expenditure as it depends entirely on temperature conditions.