Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on the Heating Allowance – 9 February 1987

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on the Heating Allowance on 9th February 1987.

Mr. Robert Hughes Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now ensure that local officers of the Department of Health and Social Security publicise a weekly notice in local newspapers about whether the previous week has been a qualifying week for claiming the special £5 heating allowance.

Mr. Major Local offices have been directed to publish advertisements in their local newspapers whenever a qualifying average temperature of 0 deg C is triggered. They have done so for each week of exceptionally cold weather in their area during 1987.

Mr. McNamara Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters he has received from hon. Members and others about the problem of pensioners who have £500 in savings for their funeral expenses and therefore do not qualify for the £5 heating allowance.

Mr. Major Numerous letters have been received on this issue.