Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Rejected
Paragraph: 27
Revise Cold Weather Payment for daily rates, minimum temperature, and advance payments.
Recommendation
In its current form, the Cold Weather Payment is an outdated, old-fashioned scheme. The Government should revise the Cold Weather Payment as follows: to be applicable on a daily rate after a one- or three-day cold-wave below freezing; to be based on the daily minimum temperature and not on an average; and to be provided in advance of forecast cold events.
Government Response Summary
The government defended the current design of the Cold Weather Payment scheme, stating the existing £25 payment for every seven days of severe cold weather is a clear and reasonable measure, and that payments are triggered by forecasts without awaiting actual recorded temperatures.
Paragraph Reference:
27
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Cold Weather Payment scheme makes an important contribution towards the additional heating costs incurred during periods of exceptionally cold weather, between 1st of November and the 31st of March each year. The scheme’s design ensures that support reaches those most vulnerable to the cold when they need it most. Those eligible include older people in receipt of Pension Credit, disabled adults and children, and families with children under five who receive an income-related benefit. A payment of £25 is made for every 7 days of severe cold weather. The seven consecutive day period is a clear and reasonable measure of a sustained period of cold weather. Such conditions are likely to lead to extra heating being required. The current temperature trigger used for 2022–23 Cold Weather Payment is also in line with that used by Local Authorities for their own winter support packages. If a Met Office forecast shows that the temperature is likely to average 0°C or below over the next seven days for a weather station area, the Cold Weather Payment process can start without awaiting actual recorded temperatures. Payments are not recalled if a forecast is not confirmed by recorded data.