§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the cold weather payments system in order to ensure that it is paid as part of benefit on an ongoing basis during the winter months.
§ Mr. HanleyFollowing the cold spell last February, the Government have reviewed the operation of the cold weather payments scheme and major improvements are proposed for next winter. First, the capital rule affecting eligibility is to be abolished. Secondly, payments will be made automatically to eligible people without the need for a separate claim. Thirdly, payments will be made for a seven-day period whenever the Met Office forecasts temperatures averaging 0°C or below. If there is no such forecast but subsequently 0°C or below is recorded for a seven-day period, payments will still be made.