Government hands out £300 'Winter Bonus'

Sum to help vulnerable pay for heating

Government has handed out a seasonal bonus in an effort to support those who may be struggling to pay their heating bills during the winter.

£300 is being paid automatically to aid the 2,300 people on low incomes, including pensioners, the disabled, and others on means-tested support.

The annual 'winter bonus' costs the government £750,000 a year.

Treasury member Ralph Peake MHK says the payment does make a difference to those who find it hard to afford to keep their homes warm during the cold weather.