HC Deb 24 January 1992 vol 202 c375W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about cold weather payments made in Bradford.

Mr. Scott

Bradford and District Age Concern wrote to me on several occasions between July 1991 and November 1991.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many times, in the last three months, to date the weather stations in Leeds and Wilsden have triggered cold weather payments to people living in Bradford; which Bradford postcode areas were not covered by the payments triggered by Leeds between 6 and 13 December; when the local office in Bradford was notified of the payments; when recipients were informed; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what action he is taking to ensure cold weather payments are made to the maximum number of eligible people living in Bradford on a predicted temperature basis; and what arrangements are being made to ensure that local offices and the public are given prior notice of when payments are to be made.

Mr. Scott

The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.