Carer's allowance is a means tested payment for people who are providing full time care and attention to a person who is in need of such care. Although recipients of carer's allowance themselves are not eligible for the national fuel scheme they do qualify for the household benefits package and the free travel scheme. In addition, the person to whom the care is being provided may be in receipt of the free fuel allowance. The household benefits package comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes. In recognition of recent increases in the price of natural gas and electricity I have provided for significant increases to the gas and electricity allowances. I provided for the number of units of electricity covered by the scheme to increase from 1,800 to 2,400 with effect from January 2007. I also made provision for an equivalent increase in the natural gas allowance which came into effect in October 2006. These allowances also cover increased standing charges and the associated VAT. Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs. If a recipient of a social welfare or Health Services Executive payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income, it is open to him/her to apply to the local community welfare officer for a special heating supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This supplement is considered the most appropriate and effective way to provide extra resources in circumstances where a person has increased heating requirements due to illness. The position with regard to energy and heating costs generally is kept under review.