§ 11. John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland have claimed the winter fuel allowance for the 2001–02 winter. [41524]
§ Mr. FoulkesMost people aged 60 or over do not need to claim their winter fuel payment. Payments have been made automatically this winter to eligible people receiving social security benefits (excluding housing benefit, council tax benefit and child benefit), or who made a successful claim for a winter fuel payment last winter.
Details of the number of winter fuel payments made this winter are not yet available, but are expected to be similar to last winter when more than 980,000 people in Scotland benefited.
§ 13. Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pensioners in Scotland are benefiting from the winter fuel payment scheme. [41526]
§ Mr. FoulkesMost people aged 60 or over at the qualifying date are entitled to a winter fuel payment, regardless of whether they receive a state retirement pension. Last winter, more than 980,000 people in Scotland received a winter fuel payment. Figures for this winter are not yet available, but are expected to be similar.