§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the period of cold weather between 10 and 14 January; what was the average temperature during the period; what was the lowest temperature during the period; in which areas the payment of cold weather allowances was triggered; and what was the cost to the Exchequer.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current level of cold weather payments; how it is calculated; how often it is uprated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottPayments of £6 are made automatically to eligible people for every period of seven days where the average temperature is 0°C or below. The amount is designed to provide a significant contribution to extra heating costs and is kept under review. The main source of help with heating costs is provided through income support, and is uprated annually.