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Work and pensions minister Steve Webb confirmed that the winter fuel allowance will be paid in full this year, but suggested that cold weather payments could be reduced.
The chancellor is due to set out government's detailed plans for the payment on Wednesday in the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).
During Commons question time, Labour MP Jim Cunningham asked about possible changed to the cold weather payments.
With regards to the winter fuel payment, Webb said that in winter 2010, the allowance will continue to be paid at the higher rate of £250 or £400 according to family circumstances.
He added: "Decisions about the rates for future winters will be taken as part of the annual budget cycle as normal."
Webb said details will be set out in the CSR, adding: "The House will know that for the first 11 years of the previous administration, the cold weather payment was frozen at £8.50.
"And although it was increased to £25 for two years in the run-up to the election, the previous administration made no financial provision at all to keep it at £25."
Shadow work and pensions secretary Douglas Alexander said that the prime minister had promised to retain the winter fuel allowance.
He called on the minister to confirm whether all those entitled to the benefit today would continue to be after the spending review.
Webb pointed to the coalition agreement's promise to protect the winter fuel allowance.
Webb responded: "While I can't pre-empt the outcome of the CSR, I would refer you to the wording of the coalition agreement when we say we are committed to protecting the winter fuel payment."
Margot James (Con, Stourbridge) informed the minister that 36,700 older people died last year due to cold-related illnesses.
She called on Webb to work with the Department of Health to work to reduce the "unacceptably high number" of deaths.
In response, the Liberal Democrat minister said that "excess winter deaths are a scandal" and called for cross-departmental action.
Article Comments
According to the minister there were only 36,700 deaths last year. It will be interesting to see the figures in a year time, one thing is for sure that figure will go up, due to the winter fuel allowance being cut in future years. I bet all the Condem MPs will be having their houses nice and warm, and with plenty of lights on.
disgusted
18th Oct 2010 at 5:16 pm
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