§ Mr. HopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will announce the outcome of the annual review of the Cold Weather Payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [135679]
§ Angela EagleFollowing advice from the Meteorological Office, the annual review of the Cold Weather Payments scheme has now been completed. Amending regulations were laid on 6 October 2000 and will come into force on 1 November, in time for the beginning of the winter period.
One of the weather stations used in the scheme last winter, Eskmeals, which is situated on the Cumbrian coast, is closing. It has therefore been replaced in the scheme by the weather stations at Walney Island, which is a little further south along the coast. There have also been some changes by Royal Mail to postcodes, which have been reflected in the amending regulations.
Cold Weather Payments are separate from, and in addition to, Winter Fuel Payments, which are paid to eligible people from age 60.
I have written to each of the hon. Members affected by the changes.