KEIGHLEY'S MP has confirmed people on selected benefits in Keighley and Ilkley would have become eligible last week for Cold Weather Payments.

John Grogan has said recent freezing conditions affecting his constituency triggered an alert for these payments for the period February 23 to March 1.

For the extra money to be made available to people on certain benefits, the average temperature at a specified weather station – in this case Bingley – must be recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees centigrade or below for seven consecutive days.

This should mean £25 will be paid to eligible residents in Keighley Constituency living in postcode districts BD16, BD20, BD21, BD22 and LS29.

Mr Grogan said: "Payments should be made automatically to those who qualify for them, and it will provide a little extra cash to Keighley families and pensioners trying to keep warm during the cold snap."

Cold Weather Payments are made from the Social Fund to certain recipients of income support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Pension Credit during periods of very cold weather.

The payment is a fixed sum of £25 for each week of cold weather.

Mr Grogan added: “The so-called ‘beast from the east’ has made life difficult for many people over recent days.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank bus and train drivers, local council staff and the voluntary sector for helping to keep life going in Keighley and Ilkley and surrounding villages, often managing to keep a smile on their face at the same time."