HC Deb 20 May 2002 vol 386 c47W
Mr. Willetts

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answers of 24 April 2002 to the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Brown),Official Report, columns 343–44W. on backdated winter fuel payments, what information the Government collect on people who are entitled to winter fuel payments but who do not receive the money automatically. [56448]

Mr. McCartney

Most people who are entitled to a winter fuel payment receive their payments automatically. However, others have to make a claim. From winter 2000–01, the claim details recorded are used to make further payments automatically, unless the individual's circumstances change. This procedure ensures that people do not have to provide their details more than once.

Publicity aims to ensure that the people who need to claim are aware of the position. It is then up to the individual to choose whether or not to claim.

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