To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 29 September 2008, Official Report, column 2402W, on winter fuel payments, what estimate he has made of the value of the winter fuel payment in 2008-09 for a 60 to 79 year-old, expressed as a percentage of the average annual energy and gas bill. (232964)

Actual expenditure data on the average annual energy and gas bill for 2008-09 are not available. However, based on fuel price changes to September 2008 it is estimated that the winter fuel payment of £200 plus the additional payment of £50 for 2008-09 would make up around 20 per cent. of the average annual energy and gas bill.

Notes:

1. Household energy expenditure on energy is taken from the 2006 Family Spending Survey for 65-74 year olds, uprated by changes in the price of fuel and light to September 2008

2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 5 per cent.