§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will announce the outcome of the annual review of the cold weather payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56032]
§ Angela EagleFollowing advice from the Meteorological Office, the annual review of the Cold Weather Payments scheme has now been completed. Amending regulations were laid on 9 October 1998 and will come into force in time for the beginning of the winter period.
Two of the weather stations used in the scheme last winter have been replaced. The weather station located at Gatwick Airport has now closed and will be replaced by a new one located at Redhill. Waterstein Head, which was introduced into the scheme last winter to represent most of the postcodes on the Isle of Skye, will be replaced by a newly available station located at Lusa which is considered to be more representative. In addition, a number of minor changes have been made to the scheme as a result of postcode changes made by Royal Mail.
Cold Weather Payments are separate from, and paid in addition to, Winter Fuel Payments which are only paid to pensioners.
I have written to each of the hon. Members whose constituencies are affected by the changes.