Big chill triggers heating payment

Freezing weather conditions across Rochdale have led to thousands of elderly and vulnerable people across the borough being handed extra cash to help them cover their heating bills.

The cold weather payments, which are triggered when the average temperature falls, or is forecast to fall, to 0ºC or below for seven consecutive days, will go to pensioners, severely disabled people and families with a child under five or a severely disabled child, who receive pension credit or income-related benefits.

Readings for Rochdale are taken at Woodford weather station and according to the Department for Work and Pensions as of last night there had been two triggers.

Across the country, there have been 140 triggers between the 85 weather measures.

A total of £172million has been paid out so far this winter — £6.9million payments to about 3.5 million people most in need — with more than £70million paid out over the New Year weekend.

Work and Pensions Minister Helen Goodman said: “As temperatures plummet, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

“We’ve already spent about £172m to keep homes warm and will keep paying out.

“There are two ways we are helping this winter- with winter fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and increased cold weather payments of £25. And from April pensioners can look forward to an above inflation increase in the basic state pension.

“The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them and should not worry about turning up their heating.”

Last year Government increased the cold weather payments from £8.50 to £25 a week.

Ministers say in addition to the extra payments, more than 12.3 million older people will benefit from winter fuel payments, totalling about £2.7bn.