Michael Foster MP today told vulnerable families in Hastings and Rye not to worry about turning up the heat as the Government pays out millions in Cold Weather Payments.

Around £200 million in payments has been racked up so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year’s weekend.

Cold Weather Payment are made available to low income households for each seven-day period at or below zero degrees Celsius. This is calculated across postcode areas linked to weather stations. Hastings and Rye is linked to the station at Herstmonceux which showed two periods of persistent sub zero temperatures – triggering the payments.

Michael Foster MP said:

"As the cold weather continues, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

"There are two ways we are helping this winter – with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and 27,000 people in our weather station area getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25.

"The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them and should not worry about turning up their heating."