Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Explanatory Memorandum on the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024, what was the (a) evidential basis was and (b) methodological process used to ascertain there will be no impact on charities or voluntary bodies from reducing winter fuel allowance support for pensioners.

A full Impact Assessment has not been prepared for the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 because there is no significant new impact on business, charities or voluntary bodies beyond their existing obligations, because they are out of scope of the legislation.

The evidential basis was based on best assessment at the time that the change would impact individual households and have no significant impact on charities or voluntary bodies.