Help to stay warm this winter
11th January 2009
Southampton’s Labour MPs today asked vulnerable families in Southampton not to worry about turning up the heat as the Government pays out millions in Cold Weather Payments.
Cold Weather Payments are intended to keep those on low incomes warm when temperatures reach an average of zero degrees Celsius or below over a seven day period. The payments are made automatically when weather stations linked to an area record such a cold spell. This money comes in addition to the Winter Fuel Payments received by 12.3 million older people.
Around £200 million in payments has been racked up so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year’s weekend.
John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said:
"As the cold weather continues, we don’t want vulnerable people to worry about how they’re going to keep warm. The elderly in particular should know that extra help from the Government is on the way this winter.”
Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, added:
"Over 63,000 people in Hampshire are getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25 for every week of very cold weather. That’s on top of Winter Fuel Payments of £250 or £400 to all pensioner households. The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them- so please do not worry about turning up your heating.
“Anyone in Southampton interested in getting more advice on how to stay warm while reducing their energy bills can still get a free copy of my ‘Stay Warm, Save Money’ Energy Saver Handbook either via my website or by calling my office on 023 8023 1942.”
Both John and Alan are also promoting the Home Heat Helpline a free-phone service for those concerned about keeping warm this winter. The Home Heat Helpline is available on 0800 33 66 99.
What do you think about this story? Email Alan