HC Deb 17 July 2000 vol 354 cc33-4W
30. Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the impact of winter fuel payments on pensioners. [129351]

Angela Eagle

Winter fuel payments were introduced in the winter of 1997–98, to alleviate worries older people might have about finding the money to meet the higher fuel bills which winter brings.

In each of the three winters of the scheme so far, around 10 million people have benefited from the payments, which will increase from £100 to £150 for each eligible household from this winter. As a result of extending the scheme to men and women aged 60, the number of people eligible will increase by up to 1.5 million this winter, with as many as 1.9 million people eligible for backdated payments.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received on the performance of IT NET in the delivery of Islington's Housing Benefit contract. [129334]

Angela Eagle

I am aware of reports on the administration of Housing Benefit in Islington and of my hon. Friend's concerns about this issue. The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate is currently carrying out an inspection of Islington's benefit service and has received representations on the real problems that the borough and many people claiming benefit are facing. We will decide what further action may be necessary in the light of the inspectorate's findings.

Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of private tenants claiming Housing Benefit have had their benefit payments restricted to below the level of the rent payable due to(a) local reference rent restrictions, (b) single room rent restrictions, (c) exceptionally high rent determinations and (d) significantly high rent restrictions in the last year for which figures are available. [130243]

Angela Eagle

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

With nearly £4 billion committed to provide winter fuel payments over the lifetime of this Parliament, we have ensured that today's elderly do not have to worry about turning up their heating when it is cold.