§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people entitled to a non-automatic winter fuel payment for the 2001–02 winter; and of that number how many have yet to make a claim. [43356]
§ Maria EagleThis winter, 2001–02, an estimated 500,000 people became newly entitled to a winter fuel payment. At least 255,000 of these people have been paid automatically.
Exact numbers of people who need to claim are not available; however, up to 8 March, over 217,000 claim forms had been received. Eligible people who need to submit a claim have until 30 March 2002 to do so and it is up to the individual to choose whether to claim.