1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content

January 21st ‘Keep the Heating On’ – MP’s Message as Luton People Paid Out in Cold Snap

Margaret Moran MP can today tell vulnerable families in Luton not to worry about turning up the heat as the Government pays out millions in Cold Weather Payments.

Around £200 million in payments has been racked up so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year’s weekend.

Margaret said;

“As the cold weather continues, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

“There are two ways we are helping this winter – with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and 88,000 people in Bedfordshire getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25.

“Cold weather payments were last year increased to £25 from £8.50 per week. These payments are automatic where there are sub-zero temperatures over the course of seven consecutive days. Everyone in Great Britain who is entitled will get them and should not worry about turning their heating up.”

Nine new weather stations were introduced this year in a bid to provide a more accurate assessment for those affected.

As well as the Cold Weather payments, over 12.3 million older people will benefit from Winter Fuel payments, totalling about £2.7bn.

January 18th Winter Energy Saving Tips

TIPS THAT HELP YOU SPEND LESS

  1. 1. Turn your thermostat down by just 1 degree – it can cut your fuel bills by 10%
  2. 2. Don’t put hot or warm food in the fridge and try not to put the fridge next to a cooker or boiler
  3. 3. Use the low temperature programme on your dishwasher and washing machine
  4. 4. Don’t overfill the kettle
  5. 5. Avoid leaving computers and TVs and other appliances on standby
  6. 6. Fit energy-saving lightbulbs
  7. 7. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping
  8. 8. Fit a jacket on your hot water cylinder if it does not already have one
  9. 9. Take a shower instead of a bath – it uses less water

USEFUL NUMBERS

Check inside for key numbers but you may also want to contact:
Low Carbon Buildings Programme 0800 915 0990
The Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99

WEBSITES
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.homeheathelpline.org.uk
www.warmfront.co.uk
www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
The Energy Saving Trust also advises using a site such as www.uswitch.com (0800 404 7961) or www.energyhelpline.com (0800 074 0745) to see which company offers the best general tariffs for you, and then you check with that provider to see if they offer additional tariffs.

(more…)

Edit news