SNP MSP Clare Adamson has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement to provide universal support through the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments next year.
Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the support payment in a statement to Holyrood, confirming the payment will be rolled out to every pensioner in Motherwell and Wishaw in 2025.
The SNP Government also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter. These measures include an additional £20 million which will be provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide more vital support to people in crisis this winter.
In summer, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the UK Government was scrapping universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners – a decision which sees almost 900,000 pensioners across Scotland miss out on the £300 support payment this winter.
Despite backlash from across the political spectrum, Scottish Labour MPs - including Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke Labour MP Pamela Nash - shamefully voted to back the cut of the Winter Fuel Payment. Weeks later, Scottish Labour MSPs voted against a Holyrood SNP motion demanding the UK government reverse its decision.Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said:
“Labour promised lower energy bills if elected. Since then, the energy price cap has risen - twice. Bills continue to rise and the Labour Government sits on its hands.
“Anas Sarwar promised to stand up to Keir Starmer. But he and his party defended the cut to the winter fuel payment and deferred to their London bosses.
“Once again, it is left to the SNP to stand up to Starmer and stand up for Scotland.
“The SNP Government has announced a funding package to support people struggling with energy costs this winter. And we will reinstate a universal winter fuel payment in 2025.
“Labour’s cut to the winter fuel payment impacted 900,000 Scottish pensioners. It was done without consultation. The SNP is fixing Labour’s mess with the limited powers available to the Scottish Government.
“It is right that we do so. But mitigating UK policy always comes at a cost.
It is unfair and unsustainable.
“That is why decisions which affect Scotland must be made here. Scotland and our citizens cannot continue to pay the price for Westminster’s failure.”
Scottish Government - Support for pensioners with energy costs
The Herald – August 1st 2024
LBC – August 26th 2024
Anas Sarwar on Winter Fuel Payment - “I don’t believe it should be a universal payment”
Scottish Labour MPs vote - https://votes.parliament.uk/votes/commons/division/1841Scottish Labour MSPs vote - https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-14820
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