There will be more weather stations measuring the winter drop in temperature that determine how many people are entitled to a Cold Weather Payment in Northern Ireland.

Following a review of the links between postcodes and weather stations, Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, will increase the number of weather stations used from five to seven by adding those at Glenanne and Stormont Castle.

Minister Attwood said: “Cold Weather payments are a vital benefit helping the most vulnerable in society. The increase in weather stations will allow areas previously represented by a single weather station to be sub-divided which will result in a fairer, more representative scheme.”

The Social Fund Cold Weather Payment Scheme provides help to people in receipt of some income–related benefits during periods of exceptionally cold weather.

A payment is made automatically when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0ºC or below over seven consecutive days, at the weather station linked to the eligible claimant’s postcode.