The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has triggered £25 Cold Weather Payments in 18 English postcodes, including CA9 Leadgate, Cumbria, CA10 Cliburn, Cumbria, CA11 Catterlen, Cumbria, CA12 Keswick, Cumbria, CA16 Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, and CA17 Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. Other areas include LA8 Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 Kendal, Cumbria, LA10 Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA21 Coniston, Cumbria, LA22 Lakes, Cumbria, LA23 Windermere, Cumbria, NE19 Elsdon, Northumberland, NE47 Allendale, Northumberland, NE48 Bellingham, Northumberland, NE49 Haltwhistle, Northumberland, TD9 Scottish Borders (parts in England), and DG14 Dumfries border (parts in England).
The payments are issued when the average temperature where you live hits zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days. To qualify, you must be claiming certain benefits.
Each payment is worth £25 per seven-day period of freezing weather, with multiple payments possible over winter. The scheme will run until March 31, 2025.
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People who believe they are eligible for a Cold Weather Payment but have not received one should contact the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus. Scotland is no longer offering the payment, however, some residents may be eligible for the annual £50 Winter Heating Payment instead.
The Met Office forecast for the weekend says: "Wet for many on Sunday as rain clears east, with showers following. Drier and brighter on Monday, but some showers still around," reports Birmingham Live. The forecast continues: "Similar on Tuesday with winds continuing to ease."
