§ 29. Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people who became 60-years-old before 25 December 2001 were not entitled to the winter fuel payment. [28169]
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§ Mr. McCartneyAn estimated 150,000 people who reached age 60 before 25 December 2001 were not entitled to a payment for this winter, 2001–02. The reasons for this will have been either that they did not reach the age of 60 in or before the qualifying week, which was 17–23 September 2001, or that one of the scheme's exclusions applied in their case.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people living in tenements in Scotland have received only half their winter fuel entitlement because of a computer error; what action is being taken to identify them; when he expects all such cases to be paid in full; and what steps he is taking to prevent the error recurring. [26402]
§ Mr. McCartneyIn order to ensure that the correct level of winter fuel payment is paid, the addresses of eligible people are matched. However, the Department is aware that there have been problems regarding people living in tenements in Scotland and, to alleviate this, the Department clerically matches the addresses in areas where there are many tenement flats. Figures are not available for tenements, but from over 11 million payments issued before Christmas, a total of 2,089 cases have been identified to date across Great Britain and Northern Ireland where the half rate payment has been applied in error. Where an underpayment has come to light, corrective action has been promptly taken.