asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to ensure that all claims made for severe weather payments will be processed in such a way as to ensure that all those eligible for benefit receive it.

I have been asked to reply.The exceptionally cold weather claim forms have been designed to allow ease of completion whilst at the same time providing the information needed to decide entitlement and make payments quickly. Cases of doubt are referred back to the claimant for additional information before a decision is made.