HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc396-7W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve the access of people to eligibility under the Vulnerable Groups Regulations to help those people with paying their water bills. [116378]

Mr. Morley

I have been asked to reply.

The Department issued a consultation paper, "Reductions for Vulnerable Groups", on 25 February 2003. A copy is available in the House Library. The paper discussed a range of options for amending the regulations to deliver more assistance to vulnerable households. One of the areas reviewed in the paper was how to improve access and awareness of the scheme for those already eligible for assistance. We shall publish a response to consultation this summer.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to re-examine his proposals for the Vulnerable Groups Regulations in respect of assisting people to pay their water bills. [116379]

Mr. Morley

I have been asked to reply.

The Department issued a consultation paper, Reductions for Vulnerable Groups, on 25 February 2003. A copy is available in the House Library. The paper discussed a range of options for amending the regulations to deliver more assistance to vulnerable households. We shall publish a response to the consultation this summer.