The Scottish Government has listened carefully to the people of
Scotland and will take action to deliver on their priorities in
the Scottish Budget, First Minister has said.
Ahead of a visit to Vintage Vibes in Edinburgh - an organisation
working to support older people by tackling social isolation and
loneliness through the projects they deliver – the First Minister
has highlighted a £41 million package of Scottish Government
support this winter. This includes the introduction of new
payments next winter that will benefit all pensioners – including
a £100 payment only available in Scotland.
The First Minister said:
“This week we will publish a Budget which delivers progress for
Scotland, by Scotland – laying the foundations for our long-term
success. We have engaged constructively with organisations and
businesses across the country and have listened carefully to the
priorities of the people of Scotland – and this is a Budget that
will deliver those priorities.
“That is why it is a Budget not just for Scotland, but by
Scotland – with the things people care most about at its heart.
“People across the country were saying loudly and clearly that
the UK Government's abandonment of older people on the Winter
Fuel Payment was unacceptable. We listened and my Budget will
take action to fix the problem in Scotland by delivering a £41
million package of support this winter, and universal Pension Age
Winter Heating Payments from next year.
“Unlike the UK Government, we will deliver a Scottish Budget that
puts the people of Scotland first, reflecting my determination to
deliver on the priorities of the people of Scotland.
“It will be a Budget for delivery, showing we have heard the
issues people have accessing public services and taking action to
address the problems. It will be a Budget for hope, putting in
place the investment that will set us up to win big in the years
to come – creating more and better jobs and putting more money in
people's pockets.”
