asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will increase the winter fuel allowance to pensioners on benefits in line with fuel cost inflation. [HL5743]

The winter fuel payment provides a significant contribution to an older person's winter fuel bill but it is not intended to cover the whole cost.

In his 2008 Budget Statement, the Chancellor announced that we will make an additional one-off payment with the winter fuel payment for 2008-09. Qualifying households with a member aged 60 to 79 will receive an extra £50, bringing the amount paid this winter to £250; and an additional £100 will be payable to qualifying households with a member aged 80 or over, bringing that amount to £400.