Press Release
MP's Message To Families - Keep Heating On
Tom Clarke MP has urged vulnerable families in his constituency not to worry about turning up their heating as the Government will pay out millions of pounds in Cold Weather Payments.
Mr Clarke said: "As the cold weather continues, 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. There are two ways we are helping this winter firstly, with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s. Secondly people in my constituency will also get the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25 per week. The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them and should not worry about turning up their heating."
"What a complete transformation for pensioners. In 1997 the previous government spent less than £60m a year helping pensioners to meet their fuel bills. This Government is now spending a colossal £2,700 million a year helping pensioners with their fuel bills and every penny of it is needed."
The MP added: "Cold Weather Payments are for constituents on low incomes which may be available for each seven-day period provided the temperature is at or below zero degrees Celsius. People on certain qualifying benefits are automatically eligible and will be paid automatically and do not need to apply. Therefore people who are in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based Jobseekers Allowance and Income-related with a Disability Premium, a Child Disability Premium or they have a child under 5 years, Employment Support Allowance with the support component all qualify. So far it has amounted to four weeks at the full amount".
Mr Clarke concluded: "It is very important to emphasise that Cold Weather Payments are demand-led, not cash-limited. No matter how much it costs the Government is obliged to continue with the cold weather payments. This initiative is a serious one which is designed to deliver real help of support to vulnerable people during this prolonged cold weather. Nine new weather stations were introduced this year in a bid to provide a more accurate assessment for those affected."