1 in 3 Watford pensioners not getting cold weather payments to which they are entitled

2.53.10pm GMT Mon 18th Jan 2010

Figures analysed by the Liberal Democrats show that 1960 pensioners living in Watford will not get the Cold Weather payments to which they are entitled.

In Watford currently 3920 pensioners claim Pension Tax credits. Receiving this benefit automatically triggers the payment of Cold Weather Payments but figures show that nearly 2000 Watford pensioners are missing out. Sal Brinton, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Watford said: 'It is a disgrace that this government has created such a complicated scheme that local people living on the breadline are missing out on money they are due. Government should be making it easier for these people to claim their pension tax credits, and then also get their cold weather payment.'