The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1983-1987 Parliament

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Severe Weather Payments – 26 January 1987

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Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Severe Weather Payments on 26th January 1987.

Mr. Holt Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals the Government now have to amend the £500 saving limitation in connection with cold weather payments.

Mr. Major I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Bowden) on 25 November 1986 at column 191.

Mrs. Beckett Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims for cold weather payments have been received by each local office of his Department in respect of the week commencing 12 January.

Mr. Foulkes Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications have been received for the £5 severe weather payment for the week 12 to 18 January; how many had been paid by 20 January; and what is each figure as a percentage of the estimated number of people eligible.

Mr. Major Information on the number of applications for exceptionally cold weather payments received in respect of week commencing 12 January and the number of payments made by 20 January is not yet available. It will be provided in due course.

Mr. Meacher Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Tottenham Department of Health and Social security office has refused to accept a bulk claim for severe weather payments for the week 12 to 18 January inclusive from the Broadwater Farm neighbourhood office on behalf of pensioners over 65 years and families with children under the age of two years on supplementary benefit living within the London borough of Haringey; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wigley Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make it his policy that pensioners not normally in receipt of supplementary pensions should have their heating requirement assessed as £5 per week greater during exceptionally severe weather; and that if this additional cost puts them over the supplementary pension threshold they should receive the severe weather payment.

Mr. Major I shall let the hon. Members have replies as soon as possible.