Perthshire people to get first cold weather payments

Jan 1 2010 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE first cold weather payments in the UK this winter, totalling some £290,000, will be paid out in Scotland this week.

They 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, many of them in Perthshire – and they will receive the money automatically.

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 people’s 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.”

Anyone who 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.

Payment are made when the average temperature where people live is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days during the period from November 1-March 31.

Specified Meteorological Office weather stations are used to obtain this information.