HC Deb 02 July 1985 vol 82 cc130-1W
Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants are receiving central heating addition nationally and in the west midlands;

(2) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants are receiving the higher central heating addition nationally and in the west midlands;

(3) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants are receiving heating additions on the grounds of (a) ill health and (b) old age nationally and in the west midlands.

Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants in Lancashire are receiving central heating addition;

(2) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants are receiving the higher central heating addition;

(3) what number and percentage of supplementary benefit claimants in Lancashire are receiving heating addition on grounds of (a) ill health and (b) old age.

Mr. Whitney

Available information on claimants receiving these heating additions in December 1983 is as follows. It is not possible to identify the number of claimants receiving a heating addition on grounds of ill health. Information on heating additions is not available separately for claimants in the west midlands or Lancashire.

Number (thousands) Percentage of all Supplementary Benefit claimants
Central heating additions
Total 1,010 23
Higher rate only 562 13
Age related heating additions
Pensioners 258 6

Source: Annual Statistical Enquiry 1983.

Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has consulted the fuel boards on the implications of abolishing central heating addition.

Mr. Newton

The proposal announced by my right hon. Friend on 18 June was that existing recipients of central heating additions would continue to receive them whilst they remained on supplementary benefit (and entitled to the additions under the present rules), but that no further awards would be made with effect from 5 August. We have not consulted the fuel industries about this proposal.