HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc773-4W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in(a) Lancashire, (b) the north-west of England, (c) Wales and (d) the UK have (i) received winter fuel allowance for the 2001–02 season and (ii) are deemed eligible for the winter fuel allowance and are yet to receive the payment for the season 2001–02. [32924]

Mr. McCartney

Figures for the number of payments made this winter are not yet available and information will not be available in the format requested. Last year's figures are shown in the table and we expect that the number this year will be similar.

Number of people receiving a winter fuel payment in Lancashire, the north-west of England, Wales and GB in 2000–01
Thousand
Number
Lancashire 223.6
North-west England 1,336.0
Wales 614.0
GB 11,123.5

Notes:

  1. 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
  2. 2. Figures exclude Northern Ireland cases.

Source:

Matching Intelligence Data Analysis Service Winter Fuels Payment 2000–01 exercise.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many instances in the last five years his Department has recorded of overpayment of winter fuel payments. [36919]

Mr. McCartney

The amount paid to individuals depends on their household circumstances. Provisions in regulations allow for the automatic payment of a Winter Fuel Payment based on records held by the Department. If departmental records need updating, or the customer has failed to report a change in circumstances affecting the payment, the Department can accept the return of the payment. However, we do not collect centrally the reasons for the return.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the impact of overpayment of winter fuel payments to some households on other eligible households awaiting payment. [36921]

Mr. McCartney

In order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, certain conditions have to be met. Payment is, therefore, based on the individual's entitlement rather than the circumstances of other, non-related, households.