Amber weather warnings for snow and ice with 'hazardous' conditions
Age UK's director Caroline Abrahams said the cold weather would bring the government's decision to limit winter fuel payments "into sharp relief", and added the charity had already been contacted by people "worrying about what to do".
She urged older people "to do everything they can to stay warm" including risking spending more on their heating. Ms Abrahams added energy companies had "an obligation to help" those struggling and there may be support from local councils too.
When asked about the cold weather, Streeting pointed out Chancellor Rachel Reeves had retained the winter fuel allowance for the "poorest pensioners" - those in receipt of pension credit. The cut aims to save £1.5bn a year.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said some postcodes would receive cold weather payments, external, which entitles some households in postcodes with sustained temperatures below 0C to a £25 payment.
This included some postcodes in Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway, Redesdale in Northumberland, and Shap in Cumbria.