This winter, over £4 million has been paid out in Cold Weather Payments, helping many households cope with the chilly temperatures across the UK.
Penrith: This winter, over £4 million has been handed out in Cold Weather Payments. That’s a lot of help for folks dealing with the cold! According to Uswitch.com, 161,000 payments have been made so far.
The payments kick in when temperatures drop to 0°C for seven days straight. So far, this has happened 12 times this winter. If you’re eligible, you’ll get £25 automatically within 14 working days.
Areas like Penrith, Otterburn, and Langholm have seen the scheme activated twice. Other places like Alnwick and Bradford have had it triggered once. It’s interesting to see how different areas are affected.
Despite the chilly weather, only nine areas have qualified for these payments this winter. That’s the lowest number since the 2021/22 winter season. Back then, payments were triggered just six times!
Last winter was a different story, with 89 areas getting payments. They handed out a whopping £138 million in total. Quite a difference, right?
In Alnwick, residents have received the most payments over the last four winters. The local weather station has triggered payments six times, helping over 663,000 people.
Some of the biggest payouts since November 2022 were in Alnwick, Knutsford, and Heathrow. It’s clear that these payments are crucial for many households.
Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch.com pointed out that these payments are vital for vulnerable people. They help keep the heating on when it’s freezing outside.
He also shared some tips to stay warm. Simple things like bleeding your radiators and draught-proofing your home can make a big difference. Plus, tracking your energy usage can help save money.
For those working from home, using a hot water bottle and sipping hot drinks can keep you cozy. And don’t forget to dress in layers to stay warm!