Pensioners and low-income families in Borehamwood will receive extra money to cover heating costs.

Following a week of freezing temperatures, vulnerable residents in the town will receive £25 to cover increased bills.

On Monday, the Heathrow weather station recorded that Borehamwood and surrounding areas had suffered below zero temperatures for seven consecutive days — the criteria for the extra payment.

However, there had been confusion this week from residents phoning the pension credit hotline concerned they will not receive the payment. A Government spokesman confirmed Borehamwood has been listed as one of the areas eligible.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said: “We don’t want people to worry about turning up their heating when it’s cold. That is why we’ve trebled the cold weather payment to £25, to put money in the pockets of the people who need it most.

“Millions of vulnerable people and pensioners are now in line for this extra help after the recent cold snap.”

The Department for Work and Pensions’ cold weather payment is available to pensioners receiving pension credit, severely disabled people and families with a child under five and those receiving income support.

Those who qualify for the benefit do not need to apply as it will be automatically paid.