WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 209, tabled 27 November 2002 by Paul Holmes (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 63 members.

That this House notes with concern that, although pensioners over the age of 60 years can claim a winter fuel payment of ú200 a year, there are one million severely disabled people of working age who are not eligible for the payment, many of whom feel the cold intensely and cannot afford to heat their homes adequately; notes also that the vast majority of those who would benefit are not in work, where their heating would be provided during working hours, and that heating is essential for the therapy required by any disabling ailments, just as many produce an added need for hot water; and calls on the Government to extend the winter fuel payment to disabled people who receive the middle or the higher rate of the disability living allowance care component or the higher rate of the mobility component.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 41, Labour 11, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, DUP 2.