§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further heating payments for severe weather are to be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Chief Adjudication Officer has advised local adjudication officers that the "exceptionally severe weather" condition in regulation 26 of the Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) Regulation was satisfied in parts of England and Wales in weeks ending 12 and 19 January. Claimants in the areas affected will be able to claim help with fuel bills covering periods including that week or weeks. I understand that, on the basis of the published criteria, the Chief Adjudication Officer has decided not to advise that the "exceptionally severe weather" condition in the regulation was satisfied in any part of Great Britain last week. It is too early to say whether the condition will be satisfied in any part of the country this week.