COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS

That this House pays tribute to the Government for last year increasing cold weather payments from £8.50 to £25; considers that this was essential additional help with fuel bills during periods of very cold weather for eligible pensioners, disabled people and families on low incomes; but notes that this increase only applied to 2008-09; and calls for the £25 level to be continued for the 2009-10 winter and subsequently made more permanent.