Overview

This bill aims to speed up winter fuel allowance payments for eligible individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland whose homes aren't connected to the mains gas grid and use alternative fuels like oil or propane.

Description

The bill amends the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2000. Key changes include:

• Altering the "qualifying week": For off-gas-grid homes, the qualifying week for the allowance is shifted from September to July, allowing for earlier payments.
• Enabling earlier payments without a claim: The Secretary of State can now proactively make payments to those eligible, based on official records, before the traditional claim and processing timeframe. Off-grid payments will be made before September; on-grid payments remain before March of the following year.

Government Spending

The bill will result in increased government expenditure. The exact amount is not specified in the bill itself, but it will cover the costs of making earlier payments and any consequential increases in overall winter fuel allowance payments.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Elderly and vulnerable individuals: Those in homes not connected to the mains gas grid, who rely on alternative fuels for heating, will receive their payments earlier, potentially offering crucial support during the colder months.
• Government: The government will incur additional expenditure to facilitate earlier payments.

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