The SNP Government has been urged by Scottish Labour to reverse its decision to scrap the fuel insecurity fund.
Anas Sarwar called on ministers to work with his party to help those most at risk this winter. He said the UK Government’s decision to extend the household support fund south of the border is expected to deliver around £41 million in extra cash for Holyrood – enough to pay for the fuel insecurity fund to be reinstated.
The fund, which has been allocated no money in this year’s budget, was used to support the most vulnerable households over the winter and cost £30 million last year.
Scottish Labour said reinstating it could see 200,000 low-income pensioner households receive an additional £200 during the colder months, amounting to a third of all pensioner households receiving support from the Government.
It comes after the UK and Scottish governments announced they would limit winter fuel payments this year to all but the poorest pensioners.
The decision could mean that about 10 million pensioners in England and Wales and about 900,000 in Scotland will lose support they were previously entitled to.
The Scottish Government said it had no choice but to cut the benefit after it lost up to £160 million in funding from Westminster.
Labour has announced a package of support for struggling families this winter and called on SNP ministers to back them.
They include proposals to deliver payments to low-income pensioners not in receipt of Pension Credit, one of the criteria for receiving the winter fuel payment; delivering targeted grants and energy vouchers to those most in need; and a campaign to encourage the uptake of Pension Credit.
Charities have expressed fears that not enough pensioners are aware they are entitled to the benefit and could lose their winter fuel payment as a result.
And Sarwar slammed the SNP’s decision to axe the payment but said he would work together with ministers to offer support to pensioners.
The Glasgow MSP said: “The months ahead will be difficult for many people across the country – that’s why Scottish Labour stands ready to propose a package of measures to support Scots over the winter.
“Labour is providing funding to support those most at risk and we need to make sure this money gets to those who need it.
“Under our plans, low-income pensioners currently ineligible for Pension Credit could receive support and the SNP’s axing of the winter insecurity fund could be reversed.
“Instead of focusing on what it can’t do rather than what it can do, the Scottish Government could work with Scottish Labour to make sure this package is delivered to support Scots.
“Scottish Labour is ready to work with the Scottish Government to deliver on these options and offer a lifeline to thousands of Scots.”
The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.
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