The Scottish government has confirmed it will no longer provide winter fuel payments to all pensioners.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the move today and said ministers had been left with “no choice” due to cuts made by the UK government.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed last month that the payment – worth between £100 and £300 – would be means-tested in England and Wales, where only those on benefit will qualify.
It is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the payment from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving the Treasury around £1.4bn this financial year.
Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits.
“This is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to our funding and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution. The reduction we are facing amounts to as much as 90% of the cost of Scotland’s replacement benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
“Given the UK Government’s decision to restrict payments to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, and the implications for the Scottish Government detailed above, I have urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a benefits take-up campaign for Pension Credit and to move forward with plans for a social energy tariff.
“Both of these measures will provide some further protection to energy customers in greatest need.”
Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West said: “The Labour UK Government’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment will result in pensioners in Renfrewshire North and West facing the brunt of Westminster’s economic chaos.
“Labour’s decision has resulted in the Scottish Government’s budget being slashed by £160 million as Labour continue with the Tory’s austerity agenda and ignore the devolution settlement.
“I would strongly encourage pensioners in Renfrewshire to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit to ensure that they can receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if they are eligible.
“In Renfrewshire you can approach Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works who can help you check what you are eligible for and help you to claim. You can contact them on 0300 300 1238.”
George Adam, MSP for Paisley, said: “Labour’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment without any consultation is nothing short of cruel and unnecessary.”
“Not only are they just picking up where the Tories left off, but they are bulldozing over the devolution settlement in the process and affecting lots of pensions across our town – this is not okay.”
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