§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999,Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments next winter. [94145]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 19 October 1999:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to his Answer of 26th May, Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments (WFP) next winter.All eligible pensioner households will benefit from the WFP this winter. Pensioners, including pensioner couples who qualify by receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance which includes one of the pensioner premiums, and who are not permanently in residential care or a nursing home, will be entitled to £100. Eligible pensioners who live alone, or who are the only eligible pensioner in a household, will be entitled to £100. Other eligible pensioners will be entitled to £50.The estimated number of pensioners in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency who will benefit from WFP next winter remains the same as in the previous reply to the Minister of State's answer at column 187 of the Official Report. This information is based on the data held for last year's exercise. Of the estimated 57,000 pensioners who will benefit from WFP, approximately 28,000 will receive £100 payments. We are currently preparing the relevant computer systems for this winter's payments to ensure that all payments are made before Christmas.I hope this is helpful.