23 December 2009
The first cold weather payments in the UK this winter, totalling some £290,000, will be paid out in Scotland from today. The payments were triggered last week by freezing weather forecast in the areas covered by the Strathallan and Braemar weather stations. An estimated 11,600 people will qualify for a payment of £25 and they will receive the money automatically.
The areas covered include parts of Stirling, Perthshire & Kinross and Aberdeenshire.
Further payments have since been triggered in areas covered by weather stations at Aviemore, Loch Glascarnoch and Tulloch Bridge with payments due to be made next week.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said:
"These payments make a real difference to peoples lives. Last year we trebled the amount paid out under the Cold Weather Payment from £8.50 to £25, and in 2008/09 we paid out just over £20 million across the UK. We don't want to see people shivering in their homes at the coldest time of year and this payment is part of our overall strategy to reduce fuel poverty across the country, another part has been to reduce VAT on fuel from 8 per cent to 5 per cent.
"I want to see all Scots warm over the festive season and beyond. I'm glad that Cold Weather Payments are helping to achieve this."
Pensioners already benefits from measures taken to help pay fuel bills and keep them warm. Our over-60s will receive £250 for the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, while our over-80s will get £400.
If anyone thinks they should have received a Cold Weather Payment but haven't they should contact Jobcentre Plus or their Pension centre.
Cold Weather Payments will not affect any other benefits.