- The £25 allowance for vulnerable households has been triggered 12 times already this winter, with 173,000 payments totalling £4 million made so far[1], government data reveals
- Despite sub-zero temperatures in mid-January, only nine sites met the criteria to receive the payments[1]
- This is the lowest number of payouts triggered for this point in the year since 2021/22, when it happened only six times in the whole winter[2]
- This contrasts with 89 payouts at the same point in 2022/23, a winter when 118 triggers resulted in allowances of £138 million being paid out[3]
- Uswitch.com offers tips for households to protect themselves from plunging temperatures.
More than £4 million has been paid out in 173,000 Cold Weather Payments so far this winter, with sub-zero conditions triggering the scheme 12 times already[1], according to analysis of official statistics by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
The £25 payments are made to eligible households when the temperature recorded at their local weather station is at or below 0oC for seven consecutive days. Payments are sent automatically within 14 working days of this happening. Households may be eligible if they receive certain benefits, for example Pension Credit.
Conditions have been triggered twice this winter in Penrith, Cumbria; Otterburn, Northumberland; and Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway. Areas being triggered once include Alnwick, Northumberland; Bradford, West Yorkshire; Leek, Staffordshire; Hawes, North Yorkshire; Duns, Scottish Borders; and Llanwddyn, Powys[1].
Table: Cold Weather Payment areas so far this winter
| Location | Near | Triggers this winter |
|---|---|---|
| Shap | Penrith, Cumbria | 2 |
| Redesdale | Otterburn, Northumberland | 2 |
| Eskdalemuir | Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway | 2 |
| Albemarle | Alnwick, Northumberland | 1 |
| Bingley | Bradford, West Yorkshire | 1 |
| Leek | Leek, Staffordshire | 1 |
| Bainbridge | Hawes, North Yorkshire | 1 |
| Charterhall | Duns, Scottish Borders | 1 |
| Lake Vyrnwy | Llanwddyn, Powys | 1 |
Despite the cold snap this January, only nine areas met the criteria for the Cold Weather Payments.
The 12 triggers this winter are the lowest amount of payments for this point in the year since 2021/22, when the allowance was triggered only six times in the whole winter[2].
Table: Highest Cold Weather Payments since November 2022
| Location | Near | Triggers since 2022 | Residents | Total paid out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albemarle | Alnwick, Northumberland | 6 | 663,000 | £16,575,000 |
| Rostherne | Knutsford, Cheshire | 3 | 636,750 | £15,918,750 |
| Heathrow | Hounslow, Greater London | 1 | 564,000 | £14,100,000 |
| Bingley | Bradford, West Yorkshire | 6 | 535,500 | £13,387,500 |
| Rochdale | Rochdale, Greater Manchester | 4 | 325,000 | £8,125,000 |
| Coleshill | Birmingham, West Midlands | 1 | 306,750 | £7,668,750 |
| Libanus | Brecon, Powys | 4 | 257,333 | £6,433,333 |
| Charlwood | Horley, Surrey | 4 | 200,000 | £5,000,000 |
| Rothamsted | Harpenden, Hertfordshire | 3 | 186,750 | £4,668,750 |
| Sheffield | Sheffield, South Yorkshire | 1 | 184,750 | £4,618,750 |
Source: Uswitch.com analysis of data from the Department for Work and Pensions
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Many households across the country have experienced freezing temperatures in the past few weeks. Cold Weather Payments help many vulnerable people keep the heating on when they might not be able to afford it, and they are more valuable than ever.
“There are plenty of ways you can act to keep warm when the mercury plunges, including bleeding your radiators regularly to prevent them from getting cold spots, and keeping obstructions such as sofas away from them, as the objects will absorb the heat.
“Draught-proofing is another quick and cost-effective way to reduce how much heat your home loses, and can even save you around £20 per year on your energy bills.
“For all households, to keep costs down it’s important to track your energy usage and change your habits in a safe and manageable way.
“Anyone who is worried about paying their energy bill should reach out to their supplier, which might be able to offer advice or support.”
Tips for staying warm in winter
- Use a hot water bottle - a classic hot water bottle can make all the difference to your body temperature, especially if you’re working from home and spend time sitting at a desk.
- Drink up - Pop the kettle on and keep yourself warm by drinking hot drinks. Better still, warm liquids such as herbal tea count towards your daily water consumption.
- Enjoy a good hot meal - Hot food like soups, stews, and your winter favourites are not only a great way to sustain your energy, they will warm you from the inside.
- Wear slippers and cover your extremities to heat up your joints - a hat, scarf, and fingerless gloves will prevent your temperature dropping when you’re less active, while ensuring you stay comfortable.
- Wear layers of clothing - opt for a thermal vest as a base layer and wear more on top so that, if you do get a bit warm, it’s easier to peel back the layers and cool down as and when you need to.
Track your energy usage with the free Uswitch app.
For more information
Beverley Noble | Energy PR Manager
beverley.noble@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
- Office for National Statistics: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2024 to 2025
- Office for National Statistics: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2021 to 2022
- Office for National Statistics: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2022 to 2023
- Office for National Statistics: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2023 to 2024
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to find their energy, broadband and mobile deals than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.