§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has had from disability organisations in relation to Winter Fuel Payments to severely disabled people under the age of 60 years; and what action he intends to take. [148612]
§ Mr. RookerThere have been representations from the Kilmarnock and Loudoun Forum on Disability, and from the publication "Disability Now". Both representations concern extending Winter Fuel Payments to younger disabled people who receive the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance.
For younger disabled people, Disability Living Allowance provides a contribution towards the extra costs associated with disability. The care and mobility needs entitlement criteria to the benefit are used as broad indicators of all the extra costs, including heating costs, that a disabled person may have. The disability premium in income-related benefits is paid in recognition that the poorest disabled people need additional help. Disabled people are free to use either of these benefits to pay for additional heating costs.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people who are eligible for a full Winter Fuel Payment have, in the first instance, received only half of the total amount owed in each year since 1997. [148486]
§ Mr. RookerThe administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. David Willetts, dated 6 February 2001:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people who are eligible for a full Winter Fuel Payment have, in the first instance, received only half of the total amount owed in each year since 1997.552WThe Department of Social Security has not made any payments equivalent to half of the assessed entitlement.I hope this is helpful.