Overview

This bill aims to speed up the payment of the Winter Fuel Allowance for eligible individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales whose homes are not connected to the mains gas grid and primarily use alternative fuels such as oil or propane.

Description

The Winter Fuel Allowance Payments (Off Gas Grid Claimants) Bill amends the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2000. Key changes include:

• Earlier Payment for Off-Gas Grid Homes: The "qualifying week" for determining eligibility is moved from September to July for those not connected to the mains gas grid. This enables earlier payments.
• Proactive Payments: The Secretary of State can now make payments to eligible individuals without them having to formally apply, using existing official records. These early payments will be made before September 30th for those off the gas grid.
• Clarification of Payment Timing: The bill clarifies that payments made before September 30th (off-gas grid) are for the coming winter, while payments made before March 31st (for those on the gas grid) are for the previous winter.

Government Spending

The bill will result in increased government spending. The exact figure is not specified in the bill itself but it will cover any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the act and any increased sums payable under other Acts as a result of this bill's changes.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Pensioners and other eligible individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales: living in homes not connected to the mains gas grid and using alternative fuels (home fuel oil, liquid petroleum gas, or propane gas) will receive their winter fuel allowance earlier.
• The UK Government: will experience increased expenditure to fund the earlier payments.

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