Cold Weather Payments safe, says Minister

THE clocks have gone back and it's starting to feel a lot like winter . . .  but vulnerable pensioners are being reassured that they can turn up the heating when it gets really colc thanks to £25 Cold Weather Payments.

Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said: "We are absolutely committed to helping the poorest pensioners and those most susceptible to the cold. That is why we have permanently increased Cold Weather Payments to £25 a week.

“Despite speculation to the contrary, the Coalition has protected Winter Fuel Payments, free TV licences, concessionary bus passes, free eye tests and prescriptions which will make a real difference to the lives of millions of pensioners everyday.”

"Cold Weather Payments are made for each 7 day period of very cold weather - if temperatures are recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees centigrade or below over 7 consecutive days.

"Around 4 million people are potentially eligible for Cold Weather Payments.  Over 2 million of these are pensioners who receive Pension Credit. Payments are also made to disabled adults and children, and families with children under 5 who receive an income-related benefit.

"Last winter 11.9 million Cold Weather Payments worth £297 million were made.  Payments can be made from today until  March 31 2011. 

"People don’t need to claim Cold Weather payments as we pay them automatically to those who are entitled.

"There is a range of help available to pensioners this winter.  Most will receive Winter Fuel Payments, which will continue be paid at the higher rate of £250 for households with someone aged up to 79 and £400 for households with someone aged 80 or over this winter.  We are issuing Winter Fuel Payments shortly."

Pensioners can also receive help with insulating costs through the Warm Front scheme.

Around 250,000 people who receive only the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit have received an £80 rebate on their electricity bills this winter, following a deal by the Government and leading energy suppliers.

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