HC Deb 16 March 2004 vol 419 c217W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many senior citizens in Crosby have benefited from the winter fuel allowance since 1997. [160583]

Malcolm Wicks

The requested information is only available from 1999–2000.This is in the following table. Details for this winter are not yet available because applications can be made up to 30 March.

Payments made
1999–2000 14,965
2000–01 16,615
2001–02 16,835
2002–03 17,020

Notes:

  1. 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.
  2. 2. Figures taken from the Matching Intelligence Data Analysis Service Winter Fuel Payments exercise.

Source: IAD Information Centre, 100 per cent. samples.

John Thurso

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many eligible Scottish pensioners had applied for and had not received winter fuel payments by(a) 1 December 2003, (b) 1 January and (c) 1 February. [159852]

Malcolm Wicks

It is not possible to say how many pensioners living in Scotland are eligible for a winter fuel payment this winter. The great majority of pensioners who were eligible were paid before Christmas without having to apply. It is not possible at present to say how many payments have been made to pensioners in Scotland but the information will be placed in the Library later in the year.

Mr. Goodman

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria are used to decide claims by(a) refugees and (b) asylum seekers for winter fuel payment.[161820]

Malcolm Wicks

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 excludes persons subject to immigration control (mainly asylum seekers) from income-related and other non-contributory social security benefits, from 3 April 2000 the Home Office is responsible for supporting and accommodating asylum seekers awaiting a determination of their case. Therefore, asylum seekers would not be eligible for a Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment. However, those asylum seekers in receipt of income-related benefits prior to 3 April 2000 continue to be entitled to social security benefits, including a Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment provided they have attained the age of 60 in the qualifying week.

Asylum seekers granted refugee status are no longer subject to immigration control and are entitled to social security benefits on the same basis as UK nationals. A person granted refugee status would therefore qualify for a winter fuel payment in the same way as other UK residents aged 60 or over.