Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Acknowledged
Explore reforming Cold Weather Payment to provide daily payments during sub-zero forecasts.
Recommendation
The Government should explore reform of the Cold Weather Payment considering whether a £10 payment could be made to eligible households every day that the Met Office forecasts that the average temperature will be zero degrees or below the following day. This should be subject to the usual cost benefit analysis and, if viable, be implemented as soon as possible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 41) Protecting vulnerable consumers
Government Response Summary
The government states it keeps policies under review but describes the current Cold Weather Payment system, justifying its existing structure of £25 for seven consecutive days of cold weather, without committing to explore the proposed daily payment reform.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government continues to keep all policies under review. With respect to Cold Weather Payments, payments are currently made at £25 per seven consecutive days of below freezing temperatures in the eligible recipient’s local area, as measured by the weather station linked to their postcode district. The seven consecutive day period has been maintained because it is a clear and reasonable measure of a sustained period of cold weather. Such conditions are likely to lead to extra heating being required.