Bill 'to help keep pensioners warm'
A Nationalist MP is hoping to bring in a law to help vulnerable pensioners heat their homes during winter.Mike Weir is bringing forward a Private Member's Bill at Westminster that would mean people whose homes are not connected to the mains power grid would get the winter fuel allowance early.
Many of those who do not have mains gas or electricity rely on home fuel oil, liquid petroleum gas or propane gas for heating.
Mr Weir, the SNP's energy spokesman at Westminster, argued that paying their winter fuel allowance earlier would allow older people to fill tanks before the onset of winter when fuel tends to be cheaper.
The Angus MP is one of just 20 MPs chosen in a ballot to present a Bill to the Commons.
He will formally present the Winter Fuel Allowance Payments (Off Grid Claimants) Bill on Wednesday.
Winter fuel payments are made to pensioners to help with heating costs. Payments range from £100 to £300, depending on circumstances, and are scheduled to be made between November and December this year.
Those without mains gas or electricity typically spend more on fuel: about £1,700 a year compared with between £1,200 and £1,400 for people with mains gas or electricity.
Mr Weir argued that as well as helping some of the most vulnerable pensioners, his proposal would likely mean no extra cost to the Treasury.
"This Bill would bring forward payment of the pensioners' winter fuel allowance earlier in the year so households can fill their tanks prior to the onset of winter and when fuel prices tend to be cheaper," he said.
He will formally present the Winter Fuel Allowance Payments (Off Grid Claimants) Bill on Wednesday.
Winter fuel payments are made to pensioners to help with heating costs. Payments range from £100 to £300, depending on circumstances, and are scheduled to be made between November and December this year.
Those without mains gas or electricity typically spend more on fuel: about £1,700 a year compared with between £1,200 and £1,400 for people with mains gas or electricity.
Mr Weir argued that as well as helping some of the most vulnerable pensioners, his proposal would likely mean no extra cost to the Treasury.
"This Bill would bring forward payment of the pensioners' winter fuel allowance earlier in the year so households can fill their tanks prior to the onset of winter and when fuel prices tend to be cheaper," he said.
© 2013 Press Association