‘Paltry’ chilly climate funds present MPs ‘do not give a rattling’ about pensioners
The government’s extra £25 Cold Weather Payments have been largely slammed by Mirror readers – saying the money is next to no help whatsoever for those struggling to pay their heating bills.
The cash is available across England and Wales to people who are already receiving one or more benefits. It is believed around 3.9 million people can claim under the Department for Work and Pensions scheme.
Payments can be triggered any number of times when the mercury dips to dangerously cold levels. The good news is people don’t need to apply for it – they will automatically see the money if they are receiving a range of benefits.
But readers think the government could do a lot more to help, with one even challenging MPs to switch the heating off and sit in their homes all night to experience what countless people across the UK have to endure every winter.
Delzek01 said: “I don’t think [the Cold Weather Payment] is enough in some cases, I’m disabled and struggle to make ends meet. Yet I gave up drinking and smoking so I could pay my bills. Some people genuinely need more help, such as those with children with disabilities and the elderly. I honestly worry about those not getting benefits.”
Kb262: “I used to be able to get the warm home benefit of £150. But the government changed the rules on who can get it. This £25 cold weather payments is ridiculous, as despite being disabled and having to use a heated blanket to keep one room warm or going to bed early I still don’t qualify.”
If you can’t see the poll, click here
Keith9000: “Twenty-five pounds for a full seven-day period is insufficient and wrong. It should be a minimum of £5 per zero-degree day. Not seven days in a row.”
Grandad2015: “There is never enough money, but £25 is a help and realistic. I’m old and disabled but common sense tells me to wear extra layers and if still cold then also a blanket over when sitting.”
Cruisingcaz: “I’m absolutely dreading my energy bill this month, but unfortunately as someone who works and doesn’t claim benefits, and therefore isn’t entitled to this payment either, I just have to find the extra from my ever-shrinking food budget.”
Whitenight753: “No it is not enough, that won’t last very long. Why don’t all you MPs sit in your homes with the heating off all night and see what it’s like? Oh no, sorry I forgot you don’t give a damn about the pensioners.”
Imabrummie2: “A derisory sum, just like the ten pound Christmas bonus.”
Mark Walter: “A paltry sum, no use to anyone”.
Interactive map shows eligibility
A total of 51 postcode areas will soon receive the Cold Weather Payment, including Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, East Lancashire and Burnley, with a new interactive map showing any eligibility.
A statement from the government said: “If you’re eligible to get Cold Weather Payments, you’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.”
