Pensioners across the district are being told they can expect their winter fuel payments before Christmas -- as weather forecasters predict the harshest winter in a decade.

The payment, designed to help older people pay their fuel bills, will be £200 this year, with people aged 80 and over receiving £300.

Most households with someone aged 60 or over on or before September 25 will qualify for the payment.

Pensioners who received a payment last year or those already getting a state pension or another social security benefit, other than housing benefit, council tax benefit or child benefit, will be paid automatically.

Pension Reform Minister Stephen Timms said: "We all know how hit and miss predicting the weather can be.

"But whatever the temperature, these payments mean pensioners can be sure they'll get the help they need to keep their homes warm.

"There are a number of other initiatives available to help pensioners heat their homes and pay their bills, so I urge everyone to find out what they are entitled to and make a claim."

Other initiatives include:

l Help with council tax -- a payment of £200 will be paid to most people aged 65 and over to help with their council tax bills

l Cold weather payments -- if the temperature falls to zero degrees centigrade or below for seven days in a row, payments of £8.50 a week will be paid automatically to those who are eligible

l Warm Front -- grants of up to £2,700, or up to £4,000 where oil central heating is required, to help pay for insulation and heating for pensioners on low incomes. For more information ring 0800 316 6011

l Pension credit -- most pensioners receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit who are aged 70 or over will receive an extra £50 alongside their £200 winter fuel payment. They do not receive the £200 payment to help pay the council tax as they can already claim help through council tax benefit to pay this bill. For more information contact the pension credit application line on 0800 99 1234.

If you think you're eligible for a winter fuel payment this year but have not received a payment before, call the helpline on 08459 15 15 15.

Pensioners who would like advice about keeping warm and healthy this winter should call the winter warmth advice line on 0800 085 7000 for a free information leaflet.