Holyrood’s Presiding Officer is considering whether a Government statement on winter fuel payments will be allowed after the Record revealed the new plan to its readers ahead of MSPs.
Alison Johnstone said she would investigate after our exclusive this morning on SNP Ministers intending to reinstate a universal payment.
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves caused anger in the summer when she means-tested the WFP, stripping 900,000 Scots of a payment worth up to £300.
We reported this morning that Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will reverse the decision when she makes a statement to Holyrood today.
It is understood all older Scots will be entitled to a payment, but not every recipient will receive the same amount as some pensioners are wealthy.
However, Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour was angered by the reports in the Record and another newspaper.
New policies should be announced in Holyrood first and he alleged a “breach” of protocol.
Balfour also questioned whether the statement should be allowed to go ahead.
Johnstone replied: “I am aware that there are reports in the media in relation to the ministerial statement scheduled for this afternoon on supporting older people with increasing energy costs.
“Members are aware of my expectation that, in line with long established guidance, where a ministerial statement has been scheduled by the parliament, the content of the statement should be first made to the Parliament. I am looking into this matter and any decision will be made known to the Parliament.”
At an event on Wednesday the First Minister confirmed options are being considered but refused to reveal the final decision: “There are possible steps that could be taken within Scotland to ameliorate the difficulties that are faced by pensioners living in a colder climate without winter fuel payments. That will obviously be the subject of a statement to Parliament.”
Somerville’s announcement will set the scene for the continuation of the angry row between the SNP and Scottish Labour on the WFP.
Despite UK Labour pushing through a cut, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said a devolved Government led by him would reverse the Westminster policy.
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