§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many pensioners have not yet received this year's winter fuel payment; [143512]
(2) how many men between the ages of 60 and 64 years have not yet received this year's winter fuel payment; [143511]
224W(3) how many of this year's winter fuel payments were sent out to pensioners by 18 December; and how many were outstanding. [143625]
§ Mr. RookerAround 11 million were issued before 18 December.
All automatic payments have been issued, where a clear entitlement has been established, as have payments in respect of claims determined by 9 November. Claims can be made at any time and payment will be made thereafter.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assumptions he has made about the level of next year's Winter Fuel Payment in calculating next year's planned expenditure. [143527]
§ Mr. RookerThe level of the Winter Fuel Payment for next winter (2001–02) is set out in The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment and Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Amendment Regulations 2000, and is included in the Government's spending plans.