Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Cold Weather Payment criteria are too high and payments inadequate for vulnerable households.
Conclusion
The criteria for triggering the Cold Weather Payment is set too high and does not reflect the impact that extreme cold can have on vulnerable households. Inadequate and unpredictable payments, sometimes made weeks after a period of cold weather, do not give vulnerable households confidence to use their heating. This can have devastating consequences including energy rationing and severe ill health. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 21 January 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗