HC Deb 15 January 2001 vol 361 cc79-80W
Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has taken to advertise the winter fuel payments for men aged 60 to 64 years from 1997 to 2000 which are unclaimed. [145123]

Mr. Rooker

An information campaign has been running since last April. It included national and regional press advertisements, a telephone helpline, leaflets, posters and the internet. Information has been made widely available, including in doctor's surgeries, citizens advice bureaux, post offices and local Social Security offices. It aims to ensure existing and potential customers are aware of the changes and what action, if any, is required of them.

In May last year we also wrote to around 1.2 million people identified by the Department as being newly eligible for the payments, inviting them to claim.

It is up to the individual to choose whether to claim, however, there is no time limit for claiming Winter Fuel Payments for past winters, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, and we are still receiving and processing claims.

Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total of the unclaimed winter fuel allowance; and how many men aged between 60 and 64 years have not claimed the allowance in Scotland. [145122]

Mr. Rooker

In Scotland, around 50,000 men aged 60–64 have made a claim for this winter.

The information campaign, which has been running since April, has aimed to ensure that existing and potential customers know about the changes to the scheme and what to do to get a payment, however it is up to the individual to choose whether to make a claim.

Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Winter Fuel Payments have been sent to people who are ineligible for the benefit in each year since 1997; and what action has been taken to re-claim these incorrect payments. [142407]

Mr. Rooker

During the first winter the scheme was in operation, when Winter Fuel Payments were benefit related (1997–98), under 1 per cent. (9,357) of the total number entitled were issued with a payment when they were not eligible.

The merits of whether or not to pursue payment recovery were considered and decided on a case-by-case basis. No further information is available.