Social Care

Winter Service Update 9th January 2010 – 6pm

Social Care

The majority of day centre services have resumed today now that road conditions have improved sufficiently to enable safe travel. All Cheshire East Council day centres were closed after the fleet bus service which transports service users was cancelled due to treacherous conditions.

Service users were contacted yesterday to ascertain whether they wish to attend their usual day centre. Anyone not wishing to travel has been alternative support and a hot meal if necessary.

A heating failure at Cheyne Hall in Nantwich and access problems at Carter House in Congleton means these day centres remain closed.

Elsewhere, home care staff are continuing to maintain services to those in greatest need while the Council’s meals on wheels provider Sodexo is continuing to deliver meals to all those requiring one.

Cheshire East Council would like to thank all members of the public for ensuring that their elderly and vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours stay safe and warm during the cold spell.

They are reminded to be particularly vigilant over the weekend as fresh snowfall is predicted and there is a danger of burst pipes once the thaw begins.

The authority has also expressed appreciation to its care staff and external care providers for their efforts in maintaining services during the extreme weather.

If service users or their carers are unable to make contact via their usual telephone number they are advised to contact the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5500

Frozen Pipes

Severe Weather Information to the Public

United Utilities are currently receiving large call volumes from customers who are experiencing frozen pipes on private services and other severe weather related problems.

If you are experiencing problems please visit United Utilities Winter Weather Advice to determine if the problem is private or a matter for United Utilities before calling.

If you are experiencing drinking water problems please ring United Utilities on 0845 746 2200.

Heating Payments

The Department of Work and Pensions is committed to helping vulnerable customers to heat their homes during the cold weather, so they are continuing Cold Weather Payments. These provide £25 towards eligible customers’ heating costs during each seven-day period of very cold weather. There is no need to claim, eligible customers are paid automatically. (This payment is over and above Winter Fuel Payments made to those over 60.)

There is more information at DirectGov - Cold Weather Payments. This website provides information on eligibility, and there is a postcode search facility where customers can find out if Cold Weather Payments have been triggered in their area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cold Weather Payments

What are Cold Weather Payments?
For customers on a low income, a Cold Weather Payment may be available for each seven-day period at or below zero degrees Celsius.
Who can get Cold Weather Payments?
People on certain qualifying benefits are automatically eligible:

Benefit Entitlement

Pension Credit - Entitled

Income Support - Entitled if they receive:

a Disability Premium,
a Child Disability Premium
or they have a child under 5 years.

Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance - Entitled if they receive:

a Disability Premium,
a Child Disability Premium
or they have child under 5 years.

Income-related Employment Support Allowance - Entitled if they receive:

the Support Component,
the Work-related Activity Component,
a Severe or Enhanced Disability Premium,
a Pensioner Premium,
or have a child who is disabled or a child under 5 years.

How much is a Cold Weather Payment?
This year payments are £25 per week for any seven consecutive days when the average temperature is zero degrees Celsius or below.
Does the scheme run all year round?
The scheme runs from 1 November to 31 March.
How do you measure the temperature?
We use 85 specified Meteorological Office weather stations
How many weather stations have triggered payments so far?
As of 6 January 2010, 61 of the 85 weather stations have triggered a payment since 1 November (some of them have triggered three or four payments so far).
Why use postcodes linked to weather stations?
This is the most straightforward way to run the scheme. The Meteorological Office advises that the network of 85 weather stations is sufficient to provide national coverage with a reasonable level of local sensitivity.
How can I find out if a Cold Weather Payment has been triggered?
There is a postcode search facility. This will show how many payments have been triggered for that postcode. Eligible customers will be paid automatically and do not need to apply.
Will Cold Weather Payment affect other benefits?
Cold Weather Payments will not affect other benefits.
How do customers apply for a Cold Weather Payment?
They don't need to apply – eligible customers will get a Cold Weather Payment automatically once payments are triggered for their area.
What if a customer is eligible, and it has been very cold, and they have not received a payment?
They should tell their pension centre or Jobcentre Plus if they think they should have received a Cold Weather Payment but have not had one. Customers may first like to use the online postcode search facility to check if payments have been triggered for their area).
How will customers get their money?
Customers will receive their money in the usual way that they receive their benefits. So if their benefit is paid directly into a bank account, the Cold Weather payment will be paid into the same account. If they receive their benefit by cheque, that is how they will receive their Cold Weather Payment.
When will customers get their money?
Customers will generally receive payments within a week of the payment being triggered.
Is Cold Weather Payment the same as a Winter Fuel Payment?
No, the Cold Weather Payment is a separate payment, paid on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.
So what is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payments are paid (mostly before Christmas) to those aged over 60. The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment is currently £250 for pensioners aged 60-79 years living alone. (£125 if they share a home with another eligible person). For people aged 80 or over the amount payable is £400 (£200 if they share a home with another eligible person aged 80 or over).

Previous Social Care winter service updates.