§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision is made under his Department's regulations relating to special help with heating costs when the winter weather is very cold for those who have made purchases of discounted bulk solid fuel in the preceding summer months for consumption in the subsequent winter.
§ Mr. WhitneyIn addition to the regular weekly help with fuel costs available through the supplementary benefit scheme, the regulations provide for single payments to be awarded to supplementary benefit claimants who have used more fuel than they have budgeted for because of a period of exceptionally severe weather. It is for the independent adjudication authorities to decide whether in a particular case the claimant is entitled to a payment under these provisions and, if so, how much. I understand that the Chief Adjudication Officer takes the view that a claimant who has bought solid fuel in sufficient bulk to last through a normal winter but who has used more than expected because of a period of 361W exceptionally severe weather and whose stocks are therefore used earlier than expected could be entitled to a single payment under these provisions. I also understand that he will be looking at the existing guidance in paragraphs 7426 to 7459 of the S Manual, a copy of which is in the Library, in the light of experience and will consider what further guidance should be given about entitlement of people who buy solid fuel in bulk.