REDDITCH’S MP Jacqui Smith has told vulnerable families in Redditch not to worry about turning up the heat as the Government pays out millions in cold weather payments.

Around £200 million in payments has been racked up so far this winter, with just over £70 million of this over the cold new year’s weekend.

Ms Smith said: "As the cold weather continues, I don’t want vulnerable people to feel left in the cold. I especially want the elderly to know that extra help is on the way.

"There are two ways we are helping this winter – with winter fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and many people in our area getting the increased cold weather payments of £25.

"The payments are automatic so everyone entitled will get them and should not worry about turning up their heating."

Nine new weather stations were introduced this year in a bid to provide a more accurate assessment for those affected. In the Coleshill weather station area that covers Redditch there are over 300,000 eligible people.

As well as the cold weather payments, more than 12.3 million older people will benefit from winter fuel payments, totalling about £2.7 billion.

People can find out it a cold weather payment has been triggered in their areas at http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/cold-weather-payment/home.asp. It has a postcode search facility which will show how many payments have been triggered for that postcode.