Cold Weather Payments Expected

Thousands of people in the north of Scotland are in line for a cash boost with temperatures forecast to fall below freezing. This winter's first cold weather payments will be made to an estimated 9,200 people with weather stations in Braemar, Aboyne, Aviemore and Loch Glascarnoch predicting a cold snap. The payments of £25 are made to less affluent pensioners and low-income households, which include disabled people or children under the age of five, each time the mercury dips below an average of 0C (32F) for seven consecutive days or is forecast to do so. More than £700 million has been paid out through the scheme since 2010 via around 28 million separate payments. The UK Government estimates that the payments will help four million more people this year. Pensions Minister Steve Webb said: It is vital that pensioners and vulnerable people are given extra help to turn up the thermostat and keep warm when temperatures plunge."This help, combined with the winter fuel allowance and warm home discount scheme, is making a real difference to help the most vulnerable people in our society.''