There will be an increase in Cold Weather Payments from £8 to £25 to help vulnerable people over the winter months.

The Liberal Democrats in Government have ensured that an estimated 4 million people will now be in line to receive extra Government support in order to help low-income households and less affluent pensioners during the colder periods.

This will mean that people under these categories, including children under the age of five and disabled people, could be due a £25 Cold Weather Payment for whenever a forecast indicates that temperatures are about drop below an average of zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days.

On the benefits that the payment increase will achieve, Liberal Democrats Minister for Pensions Steve Webb stated, “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 society.

“In most cases, Cold Weather Payments are paid automatically to those eligible. But I urge anyone, especially older people who might be missing out on Pension Credit, to call us.”