DWP Cold Weather Payment update as more than £4m | European Markets

Extra than £4million has already been distributed in 161,000 Chilly Climate Funds this winter, in keeping with Uswitch.com’s evaluation of authorities statistics. The scheme, which is triggered when native climate station information temperatures at or under 0C for seven consecutive days, has been activated 12 occasions up to now.

Eligible households obtain the £25 funds routinely within 14 working days. Those that could qualify are these receiving sure advantages from the Division for Work and Pensions (DWP), akin to Pension Credit score.

This winter, the scheme has been triggered twice in Penrith in Cumbria, Otterburn, Northumberland and Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway. Areas the place it has been triggered as soon as embrace Alnwick, Northumberland; Bradford, West Yorkshire; Leek, Staffordshire; Hawes, North Yorkshire; Duns, Scottish Borders; and Llanwddyn, Powys.

Chilly Climate Fee areas up to now this winter

Regardless of the chilly January, solely 9 areas have met the standards for Chilly Climate Funds. This winter’s 12 triggers are the bottom quantity of funds at this level within the 12 months since 2021/22, when the allowance was triggered a mere six occasions all through your entire winter, in keeping with Uswitch.com.

The winter of 2022/3 instructed a completely different story, with 89 places having been triggered between November and the third week of January. That winter noticed a whopping 118 triggers, leading to allowances totalling £138million being paid out.

Residents close to the Albemarle climate station in Alnwick, Northumberland, have acquired the very best Chilly Climate Funds over the previous 4 winters. The climate station has been triggered six occasions during that period, with the 663,000 eligible residents receiving more than £16million.

The highest Chilly Climate Funds since November 2022 have been in Albemarle, Alnwick, Northumberland, with 663,000 residents receiving £16,575,000; Rostherne, Knutsford, Cheshire, with 363,750 residents receiving £15,918,750; Heathrow, Hounslow, Better London, with 564,000 residents receiving £14,100,000; Bingley, Bradford, West Yorkshire, with 535,500 residents receiving £13,387,500; and Rochdale, Better Manchester, with 325,000 residents receiving £8,125,000. That is in keeping with Uswitch.com’s evaluation of information from the Division for Work and Pensions.

Ben Gallizzi, an power knowledgeable at Uswitch.com, has warned: “Many households across the country have experienced freezing temperatures in the past few weeks. Cold Weather Payments help many vulnerable people keep the heating on when they might not be able to afford it, and they are more valuable than ever.”

He added: “There are plenty of ways you can act to keep warm when the mercury plunges, including bleeding your radiators regularly to prevent them from getting cold spots and keeping obstructions such as sofas away from them, as the objects will absorb the heat. Draught-proofing is another quick and cost-effective way to reduce how much heat your home loses and can even save you around £20 per year on your energy bills.”

Mr Gallizzi additionally suggested: “For all households, to keep costs down it’s important to track your energy usage and change your habits in a safe and manageable way. Anyone who is worried about paying their energy bill should reach out to their supplier, which might be able to offer advice or support.”

He advised some sensible ideas for staying heat in winter, akin to utilizing a scorching water bottle, particularly should you’re working from home and spend time sitting at a desk, and consuming scorching drinks to keep your self heat.

Sizzling dishes akin to soups, stews, and different winter favourites not solely offer you power but in addition heat you from the inside. Don slippers and canopy your extremities to keep your joints heat – a hat, scarf, and fingerless gloves can help preserve your physique temperature if you’re much less lively, making certain consolation.

Gown in layers – select a thermal vest as a base layer and add more on prime. This fashion, should you begin to really feel too heat, it is simple to take away layers and cool down as needed.