THE UK Government has announced a major U-turn with the vast majority of pensioners in England and Wales now set to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
The Chancellor announced on Monday the payment, worth up to £300, will be restored to anyone of pension age with an income of under £35,000 a year.
But what does this mean for Scotland?
The Scottish Government was due to take over responsibility for winter fuel payments in September but the introduction of a new universal benefit was delayed after the UK Government decided to start means-testing the payment.
In November, it was announced a devolved benefit would be created, giving £100 for all pensioner households, with those on pension credit due to receive £200 or £300 depending on their age.
It is set to be introduced ahead of this winter.
While Scotland can still boast that the £100 payment is universal whereas the English and Welsh payment is not, it means a cohort of Scottish pensioners – those with income less than £35,000 – will now receive less than their English counterparts.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said ministers were not consulted on the major U-turn and has urged the UK Government to ensure the Scottish Government is “fully appraised” of the proposed changes “as soon as possible”.
She said: “I welcome any extension of eligibility by the UK Government, but this is a U-turn the Chancellor should have made a long time ago.
“But there is still no detail about how the Chancellor intends to go about that. Unfortunately, it still sounds as if many pensioners will miss out.”
The Scottish Government now has a decision to make as to whether it makes any changes to the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment on the back of the announcement.
Scottish Labour is calling for the extra money the Scottish Government will receive as a result of Barnett consequentials to increase the current offer.
Labour MSP Paul O’Kane said: “The SNP must re-examine their own proposals in light of this game-changing announcement, ensure payments reach those most in need, and give a cast-iron guarantee that no struggling Scottish pensioners will be left out of pocket under their plans.”
