Victory for campaigners as universal winter fuel payment reinstated - Robert Armour, Third Force News (TFN)

29 November 2024
by Robert Armour

Four in 10 pensioners live in fuel poverty in Scotland

Campaigners from the third sector are hailing victory as Scottish ministers said that every pensioner in Scotland will get the winter heating payment next year.

Organisations and activists reprenting pensioners initially scolded the UK government for axing the benefit before turning their ire on the Scottish government for not shouldering the cost.

However it was announced yesterday by Shirley-Anne Somerville that the government had reconsidered.

Cuts by chancellor Rachel Reeves to the Winter Fuel Payment in England forced the SNP to do the same north of the border.

All pensioners were due to receive up to £300 this winter, but the payment was cut to only those who claim pension credit.

The move sparked a political storm and drew criticism from opposition parties, charities and Scottish ministers.

She said those in receipt of qualifying benefits like pension credit would receive the same payment of £200 or £300 – depending on age – while all others will receive £100.

This provides them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.

“The measures I have announced will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish government recognises that more must be done,” the social justice secretary said.

“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.”

Age Scotland said the move was huge relief.

"Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters. The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.

"Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action. It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.

"Pensioners are the most affected by fuel poverty in Scotland and live in the coldest, hardest to heat homes. Hundreds of thousands who desperately need this support aren’t eligible for Pension Credit and would otherwise go without. This decision is logical and will be a significant help to older people.  

“We must not forget that four in 10 pensioners live in fuel poverty in Scotland and a quarter are in extreme fuel poverty. We’re concerned that £100 won’t be enough for those on low and modest incomes, particularly as there is nothing else for them this winter. We would urge the government to keep looking at what more they can do to bridge the gap."

It was also announced that an additional £20m will be added to the Scottish Welfare Fund, enabling councils to provide more support to people in crisis this winter, as well as an additional £20m for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems.