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People are facing “dire consequences” as temperatures plummet in parts of the UK, a charity has warned.
The Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice over the next few days, and the UK Health Security Agency has also issued a level three cold weather warning covering England.
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National Energy Action said more government support was needed for “those most at risk” in below-freezing conditions.
Adam Scorer, chief executive of the charity, said: “Potentially higher prices and now colder weather could leave millions struggling to stay warm and safe at home.
“Our figures show that 6.7 million UK households are fuel vulnerable after energy prices nearly doubled in a year.
“We hear every day from people who are forced to turn off their heat when they need it most.
“The bad choice is either big debt or an unheated house, either way with dire consequences.
“We will now begin to see how dark this winter will be.”
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The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow covering northern England, the west and east coasts of England, the Welsh coast and the northern part of Northern Ireland on Friday.
Much of Scotland has a yellow warning for snow and ice, which will continue on Saturday and Sunday.
Met Office warnings across the UK
Also on Saturday, there is a yellow warning for snow for the north of Northern Ireland and the west of the UK, including the Welsh coast and Cornwall.
Temperatures were expected to drop as low as -10C overnight into Friday and roads, cycle paths and pavements could be icy, the Met Office said.
A light dusting of snow on the Brecon Beacons on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Dressing warmly in London on Thursday
Low temperatures started the cold winter weather to pay off for some postcodes in England and Wales.
This means people on low incomes get a payment of £25 if the average temperature in their area is (or is predicted to be) 0C or below for seven consecutive days.
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Millions of people cannot heat their homes
The Department for Work and Pensions said these payments could start by the end of March.
A spokesman added: “We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable people in our society and this extra help comes on top of wider government support, including £1,200 in direct payments issued to millions of low-income families this year.
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Arctic blast brings snow to Scotland
Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh on Thursday
“As well as this, we’re offering households £400 towards their energy bills this winter, with our energy price guarantee saving the average household a further £900 on top of this.”
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph has reported a warning from National Grid that cold weather will keep electricity supplies tight on Friday and Sunday.
The grid said it may need to use “enhanced actions”, which the Telegraph said included a new scheme where households are paid to use less electricity to reduce pressure on supplies.
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