HC Deb 10 January 2000 vol 342 cc75-6W
Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason men aged 60 to 65 years are entitled to receive the winter fuel bonus if they are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support. [103486]

Angela Eagle

Those men aged 60 or over in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance which includes a pensioner premium have been eligible for winter fuel payments since the scheme began. They are among the poorest elderly people and as such we decided that they should be eligible for this help.

We have announced that winter fuel payments will be extended to everyone aged 60 and over from next winter. The payments will be backdated to the start of the scheme.