PENSIONS Minister Malcolm Wicks visited the region yesterday to talk to older people about keeping warm this winter.

Winter Fuel Payments of up to £200 will go to eligible people aged over age 60 to help them with fuel bills.

Mr Wicks pledged the Government's commitment to the elderly by confirming that households with people aged 80 or over will get an extra £100 to heat their home this winter.

Visiting staff and customers at Age Concern's Newcastle offices, in Ellison Place, Mr Wicks said: "This extra payment strengthens our drive to remove the financial worry older people have about heating their homes in winter.

"Following the Budget announcement that households with people aged 80 or over will get an extra £100, I can announce it will be paid with this year's winter fuel payments of £200, a total of £300."

Mr Wicks said 1.7 million households nationwide would benefit from the extra £100 payment to those over 80.

During his visit, Mr Wicks spoke to members of the Pension Service local service team, who help and advise older people in their homes and at local surgeries.

The qualifying week for this winter's fuel payment is September 15 to 21. Most people aged 60 in this week will be entitled to a payment.

People aged 60 or over could also be entitled to help with various health-related costs, including free NHS prescriptions and eye tests, he said.

Eligible people who will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically include those who get a State Retirement Pension or other social security benefit, but not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit, in the qualifying week

Those who got a payment last year and whose circumstances have not changed will also be eligible.