§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on how many days in the last five years cold weather payments have been paid to people in Inverclyde; and which weather station covers this area.
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of the cold weather payments scheme is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 20 February 1995:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Cold Weather Payments.The Inverclyde region broadly corresponds to the geographical area covered by the Benefits Agency District of Clyde Coast and Cowal. Postcodes in that area are linked to the weather station at Glasgow Airport.Cold weather periods are forecast or recorded on a weekly basis and, if appropriate, a payment is made for the same period. Including this year to date, Cold Weather Payments have been made to people living in the area covered by the Benefits Agency's Clyde Coast and Cowal District on six occasions over the last five years.116WI have provided a table showing the number of weeks for which Cold Weather Payments were made in each year for the area in question.
Number of weeks 1990–91 3 1991–92 0 1992–93 0 1993–94 3 1994–95 0
I hope you find my reply helpful.