Home   News   National   Article

Scottish Government confirms winter fuel payments


By PA News



All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000 will receive the winter fuel payment this winter, the Scottish Government has said.

Pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10, the Social Justice Secretary has confirmed.

Shirley-Anne Somerville said those receiving the payment in Scotland would be better off than their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

Pensioner households with no-one aged 80 or over will receive £203.40, rising to £305.10 for households with someone aged 80 or over, the Scottish Government said.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the payments on Wednesday (Jane Barlow/PA)
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the payments on Wednesday (Jane Barlow/PA)

Around 720,000 pensioners in Scotland are expected to receive a winter fuel payment.

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed last week that the payment would be reinstated to the majority of pensioners in England.

Following the initial decision to cut the universal benefit, the Scottish Government delayed its plans for the pension age winter heating payment, but in December it announced pensioners north of the border would receive at least £100 every year.

Ms Somerville said: “The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome, if belated.

We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville

“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government.

“We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.

“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system.

“The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.

“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “It is right that support for fuel costs is targeted.

“The Scottish Government will receive an uplift in their funding to support pensioners this winter.

“This is as a result of changes in England and Wales where everyone over state pension age with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a winter fuel payment this year.

“This comes on top of millions being set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 over the course of this parliament.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More