§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown of the numbers of pensioners refused cold weather payments by region over the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [1092]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency and he will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 29 November 1995:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for a breakdown of the number of pensioners refused cold weather payments by region over the past five years.837WCold Weather Payments are paid to people receiving Income Support whose benefit includes a disability or pensioner premium or who have a child under aged 5 in their family. Payments are made automatically to those eligible without the need for a claim form to be completed.I hope you find this helpful.