Social Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that following the decision by the Labour UK Government to cut Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners that this will have to happen in Scotland too.

Scotland receives funding to administer Winter Fuel Payments from London but with the cuts being made by Labour it means that £160milion which would have been used so that all pensioners could receive the payment – has been cut from Scotland.

As a further result of the funding cut back, the Scottish Government’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment can no longer go ahead as planned and will be deferred to 2025-26.

It is believed that many pensioners in Scotland who could receive Pension Credit have not applied to do so. If in receipt of Pension Credit they would be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Click on this link to find out about Pension Credit: Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

UK Labour Government to Means Test Winter Fuel Payments

In a written answer to the SNP MSP Stephanie Callaghan, MSP who represents Uddingston and Bellshill, Somerville wrote:

“The Chancellor has set out plans to end universal Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales by restricting it to those receiving Pension Credit and other means tested benefits from this year onwards. This decision was taken without any consultation or discussion with Scottish Government Ministers, which is deeply disappointing given both governments committed to resetting the relationship between them.

“The UK Government’s approach reduces the Block-Grant Adjustment associated with devolution of the UK’s Winter Fuel Payment by an estimated £140 million to £160 million in 2024-25 – nearly 90% of the cost of the Scottish Government’s new replacement benefit, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“Following careful consideration of the options available for Scotland it is with deep regret that I confirm that the Scottish Government must replicate the decision made by the UK Government and restrict eligibility for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to older people on relevant eligible benefits. This has been a very difficult decision and not one we want to, or expected to, be making. However, despite all efforts to review our financial position it is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to the budget and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution.

“The timing of the UK Government announcement has meant it is not practical to make changes in good time for the launch of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Delivery will therefore be deferred until winter 2025. However, I can offer reassurance that the Scottish Government is in discussion with the Department of Work and Pensions, which has committed to make payments this winter to eligible pensioners in Scotland on terms equivalent to Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales.

“We are also keen to understand the UK Government’s wider plans to protect energy customers in greatest need, such as a social energy tariff, and will work closely to ensure that they take every possible step to drive up the take-up of Pension Credit and other benefits which pensioners are entitled to.”

If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:

• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
• a Council Tax discount
• a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
• help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
• a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house

Fiona Grahame