Pensioners based in Scotland are set to receive a new energy bill benefit after losing access to up to £300 offered in Winter Fuel Payment support, the Scottish Government has confirmed
Speaking to Holyrood, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed that the payment will not be available until 2025 but the new allowance has been supported by rebel Labour MSPs.
Earlier this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the Winter Fuel Allowance will be means-tested going forward with claimants needing to be in receipt of Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This sparked backlash from Labour MPs, charities and poverty campaigners as the decision came before Ofgem’s recent hikes to the energy price cap.
In Scotland, every pensioner in the country would be able to claim the new benefit which will go towards paying for rising energy bills.
Scots in receipt of qualifying benefits like Pension Credit will be able to claim £200 or £300 if they are of state pension age, with wealthier pensioners being eligible for £100.
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Labour MSPs are supporting an alternative to the Winter Fuel Payment which the Chancellor means-tested earlier this year
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On top of this, Somerville confirmed an additional £20million in welfare funding for councils for this financial year, with an extra £20million being reserved for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme.
Furthermore, the SNP-led Scottish Government will give £1million for social landlords and the third sector for homelessness prevention work.
During her announcement of the funding, Somerville explained: “This Scottish Government is determined to stay true to our values.
“We will not abandon older people this winter or indeed any winter and we will continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour government.”
According to the Chancellor, the move to effectively cut the previously universal benefit was made due to the public finances she inherited from the previous Conservative Governemnt.
Based on the Treasury’s calculations, the Government is expected to save around £1.4billion this financial year with means-testing in place.
Following the initial announcement, the Scottish Government was forced to fall suit with introducing its own version of the Winter Fuel Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland.
The energy bill support is a devolved for Holyrood to address but the SNP has claimed Labour’s approach would result in a £160million cut to Scottish funding.
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Pensioners are taking to the streets to push back against Labour’s Winter Fuel Payment cut
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