§ 14. Miss BeggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about this year's winter fuel payment to pensioners in Scotland. [141577]
§ Mr. WilsonThe amount of the winter fuel payment has been increased to £200 for households that qualify—double the amount that was paid last winter. This is excellent news for the majority of people aged 60 and over in Scotland. Latest information shows that around 1 million people in Scotland will benefit from payments totalling almost £150 million, including over £2.2 million in Aberdeen, South constituency.
§ 17. Mr. SavidgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish pensioners will benefit this year from the increased winter fuel payment. [141580]
§ Mr. WilsonAround 1 million people in Scotland aged 60 or more will benefit from the increased winter fuel payment this winter. Latest information shows that almost £150 million will be paid out in Scotland, including over £1.7 million in the Aberdeen, North constituency. This is part of our work to help Scottish pensioners. Other areas are the minimum income guarantee, free TV licences for pensioners aged 75 or over, and the increase in the state pension.
§ 21. Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the winter fuel payment for households in Scotland. [141584]
§ Mr. WilsonThe winter fuel payment has been increased to £200 for households that qualify—double what was paid last winter. This is excellent news for the 155W majority of people in Scotland aged 60 or over. Latest information shows that payments totalling almost £150 million will be made to over 700,000 households in Scotland, including over £2.2 million in Dundee, West constituency. All automatic payments have already been issued and should be received before Christmas—as should payments in respect of claims determined before 9 November.