To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people entitled to a winter fuel payment in West Chelmsford constituency are yet to receive their payment from the last round of applications. (261833)

The information requested is not available.

Of the 12 million winter fuel payments made every year, the vast majority, over 95 per cent., are made automatically before Christmas based on information already held in DWP records. In these cases individuals do not need to make a claim.

However, there is a small group of people who may qualify for a winter fuel payment who need to make a claim. This is usually because they are not in receipt of a state pension or other benefit administered by the DWP. Claims for winter 2008-09 must be received by 30 March 2009. Payments are made in stages between November 2008 and May 2009 depending on when the application and supporting information is received.

In winter 2006-07, the last year for which figures are available, 20,330 people in the West Chelmsford Constituency received a winter fuel payment. We expect to make a similar number of payments this year.