HL Deb 10 April 2001 vol 624 c180WA
Lord Ashley of Stoke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What would be the cost of extending the winter fuel payment to severely disabled people under the age of 60. [HL1494]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

The cost of extending the winter fuel payment to people under 60 receiving the middle or higher rate care component or the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance is estimated to be around £200 million a year.

Notes:

  1. 1. Based on DLA administrative data, May 2000, and Family Resources Survey 1999 data.
  2. 2. Costs rounded to the nearest 10 million.
  3. 3. Costs based on a winter fuel payment rate of £200.
  4. 4. Severely disabled has been taken to mean people in receipt of DLA middle or higher rate care component or higher rate mobility component.