Written question asked by Martin Redmond (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 January 1996. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he will reassess the appropriateness of the system for triggering cold weather payments, with particular reference to the distance between the weather stations and the areas in which payments are made.

Answer: Mr. Redmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reassess the appropriateness of the system for triggering cold weather payments, with particular reference to the distance between the weather stations and the areas in which payments are made; and if he will make a statement. [8417] Mr. Evans: After the end of March each year, the Department reviews the effectiveness of the weather station links used during the winter, through liaison and consultation with the Meteorological Office and changes are made if necessary. Weather stations are chosen by the Meteorological Office which are considered representative of the areas they cover, and are sophisticated and reliable enough to provide the quality of data required for the scheme. We are content that the current network of 55 weather stations provides straightforward and effective national coverage which at the same time takes reasonable and practicable account of local conditions.

Secondary information