Menu
16/12/2008
Real Help Where It's Needed Most - Winterton
Following the coldest start to winter in 30 years, the Government today formally ordered a special one-off payment of £60 to 15 million vulnerable people to help them through the winter and ease worries they have with their bills.
The Department for Work and Pensions also revealed that the recent cold snap has triggered around 500,000 Cold Weather Payments already this year, worth over £12 million.
Speaking after a special debate in the House of Commons, Pensions Minister Rosie Winterton said: "We know that older people are facing tough times and that's why we are acting now to make this real help available.
"I am pleased to confirm that this year we will spend approximately £900 million on the additional Christmas bonus payments, putting an extra £60 in every pensioners' pocket. They will also get bigger Winter Fuel Payments.
"This is not just going to 12.5 million pensioners, but also to around 2 million disabled people, 300,000 of whom are children, with a further 350,000 who carers and around 150,000 people getting bereavement benefits.
"We've seen the coldest start to winter for thirty years. I hope that this cash, alongside increased Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments, means that no one hesitates to turn up their heating this winter."
This support is in addition to the extra £4bn which will be spent on pensioners next year, announced by the Chancellor in the pre-budget report.
This means the biggest increase in the State Pension since 2001, bringing it from £90 to £95 a week, and the biggest increase in Pension Credit since it was introduced, so that no pensioner need live on less than £130 a week from April 2009.
(JM)
The Department for Work and Pensions also revealed that the recent cold snap has triggered around 500,000 Cold Weather Payments already this year, worth over £12 million.
Speaking after a special debate in the House of Commons, Pensions Minister Rosie Winterton said: "We know that older people are facing tough times and that's why we are acting now to make this real help available.
"I am pleased to confirm that this year we will spend approximately £900 million on the additional Christmas bonus payments, putting an extra £60 in every pensioners' pocket. They will also get bigger Winter Fuel Payments.
"This is not just going to 12.5 million pensioners, but also to around 2 million disabled people, 300,000 of whom are children, with a further 350,000 who carers and around 150,000 people getting bereavement benefits.
"We've seen the coldest start to winter for thirty years. I hope that this cash, alongside increased Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments, means that no one hesitates to turn up their heating this winter."
This support is in addition to the extra £4bn which will be spent on pensioners next year, announced by the Chancellor in the pre-budget report.
This means the biggest increase in the State Pension since 2001, bringing it from £90 to £95 a week, and the biggest increase in Pension Credit since it was introduced, so that no pensioner need live on less than £130 a week from April 2009.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 February 2005
Road users ignore winter weather warnings
Almost half of road users would make journeys in spite of severe weather warnings, according to Highway Agency research. The research also found that a fifth of those questioned do not check weather warnings before travelling on the roads, while one in ten people do not listen to the radio for warnings while driving.
Road users ignore winter weather warnings
Almost half of road users would make journeys in spite of severe weather warnings, according to Highway Agency research. The research also found that a fifth of those questioned do not check weather warnings before travelling on the roads, while one in ten people do not listen to the radio for warnings while driving.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
19 November 2003
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
20 August 2003
New applications urged for winter fuel payments
It may be warm now, but Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks today urged older people who have not previously received a Winter Fuel Payment to apply for assistance as new applications received before 19 September will get their payment in time for Christmas.
New applications urged for winter fuel payments
It may be warm now, but Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks today urged older people who have not previously received a Winter Fuel Payment to apply for assistance as new applications received before 19 September will get their payment in time for Christmas.
07 March 2014
Winter Storms Cause Biggest Loss Of Trees Over 20 Years
Surveys of more than 50 woodlands, parks and gardens managed by the National Trust revealed that the winter's heavy winds and storms caused the biggest loss of trees in over 20 years. A number of rare and historic samples have been knocked down including the largest tree in Essex.
Winter Storms Cause Biggest Loss Of Trees Over 20 Years
Surveys of more than 50 woodlands, parks and gardens managed by the National Trust revealed that the winter's heavy winds and storms caused the biggest loss of trees in over 20 years. A number of rare and historic samples have been knocked down including the largest tree in Essex.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
