A biting start to the New Year has seen Cold Weather Payments activated for residents in several parts of the Brentwood and Ongar constituency, as the local MP warns of a deepening cost of living crisis.
Support Activated for Freezing Temperatures
The recent spell of severe frost and cold has officially triggered the government's Cold Weather Payment scheme. Eligible residents in the postcode areas CM12, CM13, CM14, CM15, CM16, CM4, CM5, and RM4 are now due to receive the payment. The support is automatically issued to people receiving certain benefits, providing crucial extra help during periods of exceptionally low temperatures.
Alex Burghart, the Conservative MP for Brentwood and Ongar, used his weekly column in the Brentwood Gazette to highlight the activation. He urged anyone who believes they might qualify but is not currently receiving the payment to visit the official government website for information on how to claim.
Wider Financial Strain on Households
Beyond the immediate cold snap, Mr Burghart pointed to a persistent and worrying financial backdrop for many families. He noted that households are still waiting for a promised £300 cut to energy bills, a pledge made by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband before the last General Election.
This concern is underscored by recent research from the consumer group Which?. Their survey, conducted in October 2025, found that 52% of British households were making financial adjustments to cover essential costs like utilities, housing, and groceries. These adjustments include:
- Using savings they had put aside.
- Selling personal possessions.
- Taking on new borrowing.
Perhaps even more worrying, a third of the households surveyed believe their financial situation will get worse over the next year, indicating a deep-seated pessimism about the economic outlook.
Reaching Out for Help is Crucial
In response to these combined pressures, Alex Burghart has issued a direct appeal to his constituents. He encourages anyone, or anyone who knows someone, struggling to pay bills, stay warm, or afford food to seek assistance without delay.
He listed several key organisations that can provide support, including:
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- Citizens Advice.
- The Brentwood Food Bank.
- The Daily Bread Café.
The MP also offered a personal conduit for help, stating: "If you need help to find out who can best help you, get in touch with me... and I will make sure you have the information you need to access the help which is available to you." Constituents can contact him via email at alex.burghart.mp@parliament.uk or through his official website.
The Brentwood Gazette serves readers across Essex, including Billericay, Hutton, Shenfield, and Wickford.
