§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will announce the outcome of the annual review of the cold weather payments scheme; and if he will make a statement. [10167]
§ Malcolm WicksFollowing advice from the Meteorological Office, the annual review of the cold weather payments scheme has now been completed. Amending regulations were laid on 11 October and will come into force on 1 November, in time for the beginning of the winter period.
In addition to the amendments necessary due to Royal Mail postcode changes, a new weather station, Cassley, has been introduced to provide data for the scheme following Meteorological Office advice.
Cold Weather Payments are separate from, and in addition to, Winter Fuel Payments, which are paid to eligible people from age 60.