MSP calls for review after cold weather cash snub

Coatbridge’s MSP has slammed the UK Government after the town and Bargeddie were the only areas in North Lanarkshire who failed to qualify for cold weather payments.

Fulton MacGregor has labelled the snub an“absolute disgrace”as both areas are still reeling from the effects of last week’s ‘Beast from the East’cold snap.

The politician has written to the secretary of state for work and pensions, Esther McVey MP, asking for an“urgent review”of cold weather payments and why even the“worst snow in years”doesn’t see the pensioners of Coatbridge and Bargeddie qualify.

The payments are activated when weather, or forecasted weather, has a sustained low temperature but Coatbridge and Bargeddie are linked to a weather station in Glasgow, while everywhere else in North Lanarkshire is linked to stations outside of cities.

In his letter to Ms McVey, Mr MacGregor wrote:“At present, a weather station in Glasgow – which as a city is almost certain to maintain a higher temperature than towns outwith – is used to determine whether or not the temperature will drop below freezing, while in neighbouring constituencies a more local station is used providing accurate readings for the local area.

“I would be grateful if you could review this situation urgently, particularly as there are several weather warnings for my constituency in the coming days and there the cold weather payment has not been activated.”

After sending the letter, Mr MacGregor told the Advertiser:“It is an absolute disgrace that the people in Coatbridge and Bargeddie who qualify for cold weather payments are missing out during some of the worst weather we have seen in years.

“Every other area of North Lanarkshire qualifies and it is deeply unfair on my constituents that they are linked to a weather station in Scotland’s largest city.

“I hope that Ms McVey will do the right thing and activate these payments, and backdate them for those who are struggling to heat their homes in this freezing weather.”