Tim urges constituents to check for their cold weather payments

Following what has been a very cold few days, the Department for Work and Pensions has automatically released additional support for thousands of benefit recipients in South Lakeland. Local MP Tim Farron is urging people to check they have received the support they are eligible for.

Cold Weather Payments are made to eligible benefit claimants who live in postcode districts linked to Met Office weather stations which have recorded or forecast periods of severe cold weather (0°C or below) lasting for seven consecutive days. Tim was told today that the temperatures recorded at the weather station covering LA10, LA21, LA22, LA23, LA8, LA9 have triggered the extra payments.

Tim is urging all residents who think they are entitled to this extra support to check they have received their payments.

Tim said: "We live in an area where high fuel prices and a low average income means that the cold weather hits us particularly hard. This extra support will help thousands stay warm over the winter period. The payments should be made automatically, but I would encourage anyone who feels they should have received this extra help but hasn't, to contact their local Jobcentre office as soon as possible."

Further information on Cold Weather Payments can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment.