Minister rules out extension of winter fuel payments to disabled people

Junior pensions minister Malcolm Wicks has refused to extend the
winter fuel allowance to disabled people.

He rejected a call from Clwyd West MP Gareth Thomas to do so
saying: “We have no plans to extend winter fuel allowances to
disabled people. As the popular and effective winter fuel
allowances go to everyone over the age of 60, the majority of
people with disabilities are covered.

“Disability benefits, including the disability premium and the
disability living allowance, provide extra resources for those with
disabilities to meet costs which could include heating,” Wicks
told the House of Commons.