Almost 2,500 people in Bedford and Kempston missing out on Cold Weather Payments (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Almost 2,500 people in Bedford and Kempston missing out on Cold Weather Payments

January 25, 2010 10:11 AM

Henry Vann meeting pensioners in Bedford and Kempston

Henry Vann, who is standing as the next MP for Bedford for the Liberal Democrats, says pensioners are missing out on Cold Weather Payments due to a ridiculously complicated central government system for making claims.

An estimated 2,470 people in Bedford and Kempston will miss out on Cold Weather Payments triggered by the recent weather, according to the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner for Bedford.

Cold Weather Payments of £25 a week are paid to people on low incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit. However this goes unclaimed by as many as 1.7m pensioners nationwide.

Henry Vann said "It is appalling that whilst so many pensioners are struggling financially, they are missing out on these vital cold weather payments. With fuel prices at an all time high, some pensioners are facing real hardship to make ends meet.

"They are entitled to Cold Weather Payments but Labour has made the system so difficult that many do not claim the help they badly need. The Government should be identifying those in need and giving them the financial support they deserve"

Pensioners can claim from pension offices or job centres.