Cold Weather Payments kick in for local people
The Labour government gives out cold weather payments to the old and vulnerable in Streatham, Clapham, Balham, Tulse Hill and Brixton to help them cope with the recent cold spell.
Cold weather payments for the most vulnerable have been increased from £8.50 to £25 a week by the Labour government and the annual Winter Fuel Payment has been increased by £100 to £400 for over 80s households and by £50 to £250 for over-60s households.
The cold weather payments kick in every seven consecutive days that temperatures fall – or are forecast to fall – below 0 degrees. As a result of the cold snap this fortnight, thousands of older and vulnerable residents in Streatham, Clapham, Balham, Tulse Hill and Brixton will get the payment to help them through this cold spell.
Chuka Umunna, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Streatham, said,
“It is absolutely essential in these tough economic times, in the face of high energy prices and bitterly cold temperatures, that we have a responsive government taking action to help the most vulnerable in society, which is precisely what the Labour government is doing here”
The measures have attracted support from groups campaigning for older people. Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said,
“Many older people are worried about making ends meet this winter, but finding out they can get more money in their pockets can really make a difference.
“Tripling the Cold Weather Payment has made it a useful amount that will give an extra boost when the 
weather is cold.”
Rosie Winterton, the Pensions Minister (left), said, “We know that older people are facing tough times and that’s why we are acting now to make this real help available.”
To find out whether you are eligible to receive cold weather payments, Call Job Centre Plus on 0800 055 6688 or, if you are a pensioner, the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 08459 15 15 15. For more info click here: Cold Weather Payments.
