West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local people to access support if they are struggling to deal with extra fuel costs during the cold snap.

Older people automatically get a winter fuel payment each year and this is topped up when temperatures dip below freezing for seven consecutive days. Cold weather payments to those on benefits are also paid automatically by area, based on local weather station temperature readings.

However, with people being required to stay at home and many taking on home schooling duties, families are facing extra heating costs during the cold snap and the Government has allocated £1.7 million to Worcestershire County Council to help out those in most need.

The Covid Winter Fund scheme and other measures have been introduced to allow vulnerable families to access extra support, with heating and utility costs as well as extra food costs.

People who receive benefits or who qualify for extra support can find out more information by visiting worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help or ringing 0800 9882881.

Harriett said: “The cold weather has brought extra challenges for us all and I quizzed the Department for Work and Pensions in the House of Commons about how local people can access these extra support measures.

“There are a number of schemes in operation to help people with additional food and heating costs during this period of lockdown and I encourage local people to find out if they qualify for assistance. Some are automatic, but others need to be requested.

“This doesn’t affect the standard winter payments, which are paid automatically to pensioners, but the Government has added extra support for families who are stuck at home and I am eager to share the news.”