§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the arrangements for the payment of the winter fuel allowance. [99098]
§ Mr. RookerFor the third winter running, Winter Fuel Payments are being made to eligible pensioners. For the first time, payments this year will be made before Christmas. The issue of payments began on 8 November and should be completed by 3 December.
The payment has been increased to f100 for eligible pensioner households from this winter. Also, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced that the payments will be made every year from now on.