THE current cold snap which is expected to continue until at least the end of this week and possibly into next has triggered cold weather payments for people in Liphook and the surrounding areas.

Postal codes in the GU30 and other adjoining areas are affected by the first cold weather payments of the winter, which cover January 14 to 20.

They are made from the Social Fund to certain recipients of income support, the income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit and the income-related Employ– ment and Support Allowance during periods of cold weather.

The £25 payment for each week of cold weather is triggered when the average temperature at aspecified weather station is recorded as zero degrees Centrigade,

or below, for seven consecutive days.

The scheme runs from November 1 to March 31 each year.

The payment is a fixed amount for each week of cold weather and is paid automatically.

Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to the payments should contact The Department for Work and Pensions. East Hampshire postcodes are GU10, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and RG25, 29 and SO24.