To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households in Leicester South are in receipt of the winter fuel payment. (114962)

Last winter 2005-06, 11,370 households in Leicester South constituency received a winter fuel payment. We expect the number to be similar this winter.

Notes:

1. Figures rounded to the nearest 10.

2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.

Source:

Information Directorate 100 per cent. sample.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Livingston constituency received the winter fuel allowance in the last 12 months. (117500)

In the winter of 2005-06, 15,220 people in Livingston constituency received a winter fuel payment. Figures for this winter are not yet available but we expect the number to be similar.

Notes:

1. Figures rounded to the nearest 10.

2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.

Source:

Information Directorate 100 per cent. sample.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to change the qualifying dates for winter fuel payments; and if he will make a statement. (114305)

The qualifying week is set in legislation as the third full week in September. We use this date to establish entitlement so that payments can be made before Christmas. The Government think that making payments by Christmas every year is helpful in reassuring pensioners that they will have cash available to pay for heating their homes during the coldest part of the year. We have no plans to change the qualifying week.