§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
In respect of winter fuel payments for each of the years 1997–98 to 2000–01, what were: (a) the estimated number of people who were entitled to make a claim; (b) the number of people who have made a claim and have been paid; (c) the value of the payments which could have been claimed but have not been claimed; and (d) the value of the claims which validly may still be made. [HL1018]
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§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamInitially, winter fuel payments were made through automatic payment mechanisms to around 10 million people over State pension age who received certain qualifying benefits, without the need to claim.
The scheme was later extended, from its outset, to most people aged 60 and over, regardless of whether they were getting a social security benefit. A claims process was therefore developed for those not receiving specific benefits as the Department did not hold sufficient information to establish entitlement, particularly where an individual had had no need to contact the Department for many years.
It was estimated that the extension meant that up to an additional 1.5 million people were eligible last winter (2000–01) and up to 1.9 million people could be eligible for previous winters. As a combined claim form was used to deal with these payments, it is not possible to give more details about the numbers of claims for each year.
However, in total, approximately, 11.1 million payments were made for winter 2000–01. For winters 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, around 1.1 million claims have been paid, in addition to the automatic payments. There are no time limits on claiming for these previous winters and successful claims continue to be paid. Estimates of the likely value of unclaimed payments cannot be derived with any precision.
§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they intend to take in the future to ensure people are made aware of their entitlement to make retrospective claims for winter fuel payment. [HL1019]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamFrom April 2000 an information campaign ran to ensure that existing and potential customers knew about the changes to the winter fuel payment scheme and what, if anything, they needed to do to get a payment.
This year, the campaign, using similar media, began in June and is continuing throughout the year. The information includes advertisements in national and local press; a leaflet and poster, a dedicated Winter Fuel Payment Helpline and information on the Internet. Full explanation of restrospective payments is available in the leaflet, the Internet and from the helpline. The leaflet is made available in a variety of venues, including local social security offices, post offices, electricity and gas outlets, supermarkets and doctors' surgeries.
Eligible people are still able to claim for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 as there are no time limits for the payment in respect of these winters. However, it is up to the individual to choose whether or not to claim.