§ 14. Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what help is given to the poorest people in Northern Ireland to meet the high cost of heating their homes.
§ Mr. CarterThe Supplementary Benefits Commission may award extra heating additions and lump-sum payments to supplementary beneficiaries whose fuel needs are greater than normal. At present, about 52,000 beneficiaries receive these 603W additions, broadly ranging from 80p to £2.40p per week, and this range will be increased from November 1978. Some 17,000 lump-sum payments were also awarded in 1977. In addition, the Government's fuel discount scheme provided for the cash payment of £5 to the recipients of supplementary benefit or family income supplement in the week commencing 16th January 1978—about 124,000 in total. The scheme also provided a discount of 40 per cent. on electricity and gas bills for the last winter quarter.