§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been paid out in Winter Fuel Allowances to people in Northampton, North from 1997–98 to 1999–2000. [131946]
§ Angela EagleThe administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Ms Sally Keeble, dated 25 July 2000
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much has been paid out in winter fuel allowances to people in Northampton North from 1997–98 to 1999–2000.Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) were introduced in the winter of 1997/98. For the winters of 1997/98 and 98/99 eligible people receiving Income Support (IS) or income based Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA (IB)) which included a pensioner premium, who were not living in residential care or a nursing home received payments of £50. All other eligible pensioners received £20 or £10 depending on their household circumstances. Where only one eligible pensioner lived in the household they would receive £20, otherwise they would receive £10 each.Last winter, 1999/00 the amount of the payment increased to £100 for eligible households.In 1997/98, WFP expenditure for Northampton North constituency was £321,340; in 1998/99, it was £298,540; and in 1999/00, it was £1,163,900.I hope this is helpful.