Gateshead and Washington MP Sharon Hodgson today told vulnerable families in her constituency not to panic about the cost of keeping warm as the Government pays out millions in Cold Weather Payments.

Around £200 million in payments has been racked up so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold New Year’s weekend.

Sharon Hodgson MP said,

"As the cold weather continues, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

"There are two ways we are helping this winter – with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and almost 150,000 people in our area getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25.

"The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them and I’m sure they will provide a timely bit of support when the bills come in.”

Nine new weather stations were introduced this year in a bid to provide a more accurate assessment for those affected.

As well as the Cold Weather payments, over 12.3 million older people will benefit from Winter Fuel payments, totalling about £2.7bn.