Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Benefit Recipients: Heating Costs

Monday 25 January 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Winter fuel payments of between 100 and 300 are provided to those of state pension age.
  • Certain benefit recipients can receive payments from the warm home discount scheme and the cold weather payment scheme.
  • Worcestershire received 1.6 million to support vulnerable households with heating and utility bills.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP inquired about the specific support provided to benefit recipients during winter 2020-21, citing concerns over rising heating costs.

Question

What support her Department provides to benefit recipients to help meet heating costs in winter 2020-21.

Answer from Guy Opperman

Winter fuel payments of between £100 and £300 are provided to all those of state pension age. In addition, certain benefit recipients can also receive payments from the warm home discount scheme and the cold weather payment scheme. As mentioned by the Secretary of State earlier, we have introduced a covid winter grant scheme, which has made £170 million available to English local authorities.

Answered
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Q2 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Housing Energy
Context

The MP welcomed additional winter support for families but inquired about the specific details of how recipients can access this assistance, noting concerns over administrative burdens.

Question

Obviously the weather has been very cold and families are spending much more time at home, so I welcome all that additional support to help with heating. Will the Minister clarify whether the money is paid automatically or families must actively apply for it?

Answer from Guy Opperman

Worcestershire received £1.6 million to provide support to vulnerable households and families. This can be used to support the costs of heating, utility bills and various other items, and is available at the local authority's discretion. Clearly, my hon. Friend should contact her local councillors and the leader of the local authority for further details.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether the money is paid automatically or families must actively apply for it

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