§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the case to extend winter fuel allowance to those under pensionable age in receipt of(a) the medium or higher rate care component and (b) the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance. [15866]
§ Mr. McCartneyDisability benefits are already available to people with disabilities in recognition of their extra costs. The care and mobility components in disability living allowance are used as broad indicators of all the extra costs a disabled person has. These could include heating, laundry or special diets. There are no plans to extend the winter fuel payment scheme to people under 60 years of age.