All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000
will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payments this winter of
either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, Social Justice Secretary
has confirmed. This
means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those
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.
Following the UK Government's recent change to winter fuel
payments, the Scottish Government will withdraw the current
amendment regulations before the Scottish Parliament, which were
previously lodged in order to protect pensioners in Scotland
against the UK Government's planned cuts to winter fuel payments.
The move will now see over 720,000 Scottish pensioners benefit.
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.
“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.”
