§ 16. Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received over the position of pensioners during the winter months.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have received representations from various pensioner groups, and others, over the position of pensioners during the winter months. In June my right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced major improvements to the cold weather payments scheme, which include fast automatic payments, forecasts made by the Meteorological Office which can anticipate80W periods of very cold weather, and the removal of the old capital rule. These improvements will directly benefit many pensioners this winter.
§ 21. Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he next plans to meet the Pensioners Association in Wales to discuss additional assistance for the winter months.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have no plans to meet the Pensioners Association in Wales. In June my right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced major improvements to the cold weather payments scheme, which include fast automatic payments, forecasts made by the Meteorological Office which can anticipate periods of very cold weather, and the removal of the old capital rule. These improvements will directly benefit many pensioners this winter.