THE recent cold snap has highlighted the issue of pensioners and others on low incomes who are wary to turn up the heating to keep warm and are thus at risk of hypothermia.

The current system for cold weather payments is complicated. The £25-a-week payments are issued automatically when temperatures are below zero for seven consecutive days. However, they go unclaimed by as many as 1.7 million in the UK and 2,500 in the Stockton South constituency who may be entitled to them.

To get the payments people need to be on Income Support or Pension Credit, but many, particularly pensioners, do not claim these benefits. As the claims system is complicated the Liberal Democrats would advocate a Citizens’ Pension set at the figure the government sees as the minimum income to live on. This is above State Pension level.

It is important people claim the benefits they deserve and are entitled to. Local Citizens Advice Bureau/Department of Work and Pensions offices can assist in making sure people have the correct benefits.

Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Stockton South.