TRURO AND FALMOUTH OAPS LOSE OUT ON COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS

7.22.07pm GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

More than 3,000 pensioners in the Truro and Falmouth constituency will miss out on Cold Weather Payments despite recent freezing conditions, according to new figures released this week.

Although accurate figures for the new Truro and Falmouth Parliamentary seat are not available yet, Liberal Democrat analysis of Government records show that at least 3,000 pensioners in the area are set to lose out.

Cold Weather Payments of £25 a week are paid to people on low incomes who receive a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit. 1.7m pensioners across the country who are likely to be eligible do not claim the credit, because the necessary forms are too complicated and/or because they involve revealing substantial details of the applicant's personal finances.

"In recent weeks we have all turned the central heating up, but there are thousands of pensioners living in this area who had to choose between heating the house or eating a decent meal." said Terrye Teverson, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth.

"Fuel prices are at an all time high. Cold Weather Payments are even more important to people who already struggle on a poverty pension. The Government is holding back £42.5m in cash which should be going to keep people warm this winter.

"Ministers should make greater effort to identify pensioners who are missing out and need the extra cash they are entitled to."