HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc537-8W
Mr, Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the identity of the private sector partner contracted to process claims for winter fuel payments for customers not already in receipt of a benefit; and what are(a) the terms of the contract in respect of the time scale for processing claims; and (b) the contractual arrangements for ensuring that the published helpline telephone number can cope with every inquiry from the public. [151434]

Mr. Rooker

The Private Sector Partner contracted to process claims for Winter Fuel payments is CAPITA Business Services Ltd.

Under Part II, paragraph 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, information is not available about the status of the contract, as it is commercial in confidence.

Angela Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking to ensure maximum take-up of the winter fuel payment for men aged 60 to 65 years. [149842]

Mr. Rooker

An information campaign commenced in April 2000 and continued throughout the year informing people of the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme and what, if any, action was required of them. The campaign also encouraged people who were newly eligible for payments to make a claim. The campaign included: advertisements in national and local press; a dedicated leaflet and poster made available in a variety of venues, including local social security offices, post offices and doctors' surgeries.

A mailshot was also undertaken, beginning in early May, to people we could identify as being newly eligible inviting them to make a claim.

Full arrangements for the delivery of winter 2001 payments have yet to be determined.