§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of people of pensionable age qualify for help under the cold weather payments scheme.
§ Mr. ScottWe estimate that 1.5 million people of pensionable age are eligible to receive a cold weather payment, representing 14.7 per cent. of the total number of people of pensionable age. Every income support recipient over 60 years of age, not just those of pensionable age, qualifies for help under the cold weather payments scheme as well as recipients who have a child under five in the household or are entitled to the disability premium.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice his Department gives to pensioners regarding keeping warm.
§ Mr. ScottFor the fifth year running, the Department is a major participant in the Government's "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign, a joint venture with other Government Departments and the voluntary sector. The aim of the campaign is to advise elderly people and other 243W vulnerable groups about how best to cope with cold weather and where help is available, including details of the social security cold weather payments scheme.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations his Department has received regarding the problems faced by older people on low incomes in the winter months.
§ Mr. ScottWe have received many representations on this issue and on 14 June I announced important improvements to the cold weather payments scheme.