West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today urged local people to keep an eye out to help elderly and vulnerable people as cold weather strikes the county. Siberian winds and bad weather which have affected much of the country bringing overnight temperatures well below freezing point and the forecast for Worcestershire shows cold and possible snow in the days ahead. The Government has already confirmed that emergency cold weather payments have been triggered for older people meaning they will get an extra £25 towards their heating bills. And yesterday, Business Secretary Greg Clark confirmed plans to cap energy costs for those stuck on the highest electricity and gas tariffs. Harriett welcomed the news and urged local people to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable people who may be affected by the very cold snap. Harriett commented: "The sudden bad weather may have taken some people by surprise so I would urge local people to check on their elderly and vulnerable neighbours to make sure they are coping OK in case the weather gets much worse. "West Worcestershire is a very rural constituency and cold snaps can have a major impact on people's ability to get out and about. "The emergency cold weather payments scheme has kicked in and older people or people claiming qualifying benefits will be getting some extra cash to help them keep their heating at comfortable levels, and this week the Government has announced plans to further act on the often outrageously high prices charged by some gas and electricity companies. "I've also had a briefing on the small number of homeless people in West Worcestershire and know that local agencies are doing everything they can to help them if they will accept help. "We all hope that this cold snap passes quickly but it is best to be a good neighbour and help to defy the 'beast from the East'."