WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED UNDER 60

That this House notes with deep concern that people under the age of 60 with severe disabilities are not eligible for winter fuel payments; recognises that they often face severe difficulties in staying warm in the winter and avoiding illness, particularly as a result of dramatically reduced mobility; further recognises this often results in highly inflated heating costs and high energy bills; further recognises the value of winter fuel payments for those over 60; and believes that the people under 60 with severe disabilities who face a similar daily struggle simply to keep warm should also be eligible for the same winter fuel payments.