Cold Weather Payments

HC Deb 06 February 1996 vol 271 c177W

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated total amount of money not paid in cold weather payments in 1994 to pensioners who do not claim income support although eligible, using the most recent take-up figures produced by the Department of Social Security's analytical services division. [13104]

Mr. Roger Evans

The information is not available.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the rules under which cold weather payments are made. [13074]

Mr. Evans

There are no plans for major changes to the scheme.

After the end of March each year, we routinely review the operation of the scheme over the previous winter, taking account of advice from the Meterological Office. In particular, we look at the links between weather stations and postcode areas, and as a result minor adjustments are made if necessary.