Vince Cable has welcomed news the Government’s cold weather payment has been triggered in Twickenham and Richmond.

Many residents will receive extra money towards their fuel bills after temperatures dropped in the past few weeks.

The payment is a fixed amount for each week of cold weather when temperatures drop or are forecast to drop to 0C or below.

Dr Cable said: “I’m glad that during these really cold periods, the coalition Government is giving vulnerable residents extra money to cover the cost of their energy bills.

“These payments are made automatically to those entitled to them and there should be no need to make a claim.”