§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) for what reasons those who receive winter fuel payments in excess of their entitlement are not required to repay the money; [104742]
(2) how much money has been received during 2002–03 from voluntary repayments of excess winter fuel payments; and what the sum was in 2001–02. [104743]
§ Mr. McCartneyIn the vast majority of cases, the amount of winter fuel payment is determined by the information held by the Department, which is regularly updated. The winter fuel payment therefore reflects the person's circumstances as known to the Department in the qualifying week, which determines entitlement.
There are a variety of reasons why payments are returned to the Department, including cases where entitlement is queried and change of address.
We are currently unable to give a specific amount, which relates to voluntary excess repayments.