Scots pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 in winter fuel payments next year after a decision by the SNP Government. Social Justice Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville axed Labour’s means-testing plan and replaced it with a form of universalism.
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to slash eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, which applies this year, will see 900,000 Scots lose out. The move was branded heartless by critics given that energy bills are rising and voters are braced for a bitter winter.
The Record revealed the SNP Government had decided to replace the means-test with a two tier payment system that would see all pensioners receive money to heat their homes. Under the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payments system, which comes into force next year, Somerville said: “The full details of our proposed approach will be set out in the Scottish Government’s 25-26 Budget.
“However, I can announce that pensioners in Scotland in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, and who will this winter receive payments of £200 or £300 this winter, dependent on their age, will continue to receive those payments automatically next winter. And additionally, we will introduce universal payments to every other pensioner household of £100.
“This ensures that those pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive a higher rate amount of support, protecting their incomes, whilst also ensuring the provision of support to all pensioner households, support that will not be available anywhere else in the UK.”
She added: “We have not taken this decision lightly given the significant pressures on the Scottish Government’s Budget. But this Scottish Government is determined to stay true to our values. On our watch, we treat people in this country with fairness, dignity and respect. We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter and we will continue to protect pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour Government.”
She said the Labour Government’s means-test cuts Scotland’s funding by £147m.
Somerville’s announcement will fuel the war of words between the SNP and Scottish Labour on the WFP. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said recently that a devolved Government led by him would reverse the Westminster policy, despite his party being in power in London.
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