§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of giving to all pensioner households a heating allowance of (a) double the lower rate of heating allowance now paid to those in receipt of supplementary benefit and (b) double the higher rate of heating allowance paid to those in receipt of supplementary benefit.
§ Mrs ChalkerAbout £1 billion and £2½ billion a year respectively.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take immediate steps to simplify the procedures for claiming extra funds for fuel payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs ChalkerThe procedure for a claimant is straightforward and practical. He is asked to produce evidence of the claimed increase in expenditure on fuel; if that is not possible, the benefit officer will make an estimate, based on data supplied by the fuel board for the area.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now introduce a £20 emergency heating grant for pensioners and the disabled.
§ Mrs ChalkerThe Government's policy is to channel the help available to those in greatest need. Pensioners and disabled people who are eligible for or receiving supplementary benefit should apply for a special payment towards the cost of this winter's fuel bills as described in my reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding) on 18 January 1982Official Report[Vol. 16, c.64–5].