The most vulnerable people in Bradford will receive cash to help with heating bills as temperatures across the district stayed low.

The cold weather payments, which are triggered when the average temperature falls, or is forecast to fall, to 0ºC or below on seven consecutive days, go to pensioners, severely disabled people and families with a child under five or a severely disabled child, who receive pension credit or income-related benefits.

The last Labour Government increased the cold weather payments from £8.50 to £25 a week.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: “These payments will be sent automatically to those entitled to receive them and will undoubtedly be very welcome. There should be no need to make a claim, but I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible but do not receive a payment to contact the Pension, Disability and Carers Service, or Jobcentre Plus.

“This is a time of year where we all must play our part is checking that vulnerable neighbours, particularly older people, are coping.”