Labour's Peter Roberts tells vulnerable families in Fenland to keep heating turned up

PETER Roberts, Labour's Parliamentary spokesman for North East Cambridgeshire, today told vulnerable families across Fenland not to worry about turning up the heat as the Government pays out millions in Cold Weather Payments.

As people throughout Britain brave one of the coldest winters in memory, thousands of vulnerable people and pensioners across the Fens will benefit from an extra payout.

The Cold Weather Payment, which was trebled by the Government last year from �8.50 to �25 a week, is paid out every time the average temperature at a local weather station falls, or is forecast to fall, to 0dC or below for seven consecutive days.

Since the big freeze has hit the locals weather station in Wittering near Peterborough and Marham in Norfolk the estimated number of people across Fenland eligible for the payments now stands at over 9,000.

This comes on top of the Winter Fuel Allowance of �250 for households with someone aged 60-79 and �400 for those with someone aged 80 and over.

Peter Roberts, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson for North East Cambridgeshire welcomed the cash bonus.

He said: "In one of the coldest winters I can remember, I don't want vulnerable people to have to choose between saving money and keeping their heating on. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

"There are two ways the Government are helping this winter - with Winter Fuel payments of �250 or �400 for the over 80s, and approximately 9,000 people in our area getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of �25.

"Coming on top of the winter fuel payments, local pensioners in particular can turn up their heating during the big freeze without having to worry."

"If anyone believes that they are eligible and does not received notification of the payment they can ring the Government helpline directly on 0845 6060 265 or check their postcode via my website www.necambslabour.co.uk