Winter Fuel Payments reinstated for thousands of households in major U-turn

The news was confirmed by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who said those in receipt of qualifying benefits like Pension Credit would get £200 or £300 depending on their age

Winter Fuel Payments are being reinstated for all pensioner households in Scotland - but not until next year.

The news was confirmed by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who said those in receipt of qualifying benefits like Pension Credit would get £200 or £300 depending on their age. All other pensioner households will get £100. Only one payment will be made per households.

An estimated 900,000 pensioners in Scotland are missing out on a Winter Fuel Payment this winter after the UK Government scrapped the universal entitlement. Previously, everyone over state pension age received a Winter Fuel Payment - but now, you must be in receipt of a means-tested benefit.

The Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland is being replaced by the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This new benefit was due to be introduced this year, but the Scottish Government had previously confirmed it was being delayed until next year.

Ms Somerville also announced a further £20million for the Scottish Welfare Fund and the same amount for Warmer Homes Scotland in this financial year. The Scottish Government, she said, has been forced to “mitigate” decisions made by the UK Government.

She said: “There has been change, but that change is that we are now mitigating against a Labour Government and not a Tory one. We have not taken this decision lightly, given the significant pressures on the Scottish Government’s budget, but this Scottish Government is determined to stay true to our values.

“On our watch, we will treat people in this country with fairness, dignity and respect. We will not abandon older people this winter, or indeed any winter, and we will continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour Government.”

Scottish Conservative Social Security spokeswoman Liz Smith accused ministers of "hoodwinking" pensioners, as some households will receive a reduced £100 payment. But Ms Somerville said: “We have returned to a universal payment for pensioners, and that is an important principle we are determined to hold to.”

In other parts of the UK, you still need to be above state pension age and in receipt of a means-tested benefit to get a Winter Fuel Payment. This includes:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

However, a type of legal claim known as judicial review has been launched by Govan Law Centre (GLC) in the Court of Session in Scotland - but if successful, its outcome could also then be applied in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

GLC claims the Government failed to properly assess how the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment would affect state pensioners. It also argues that the Government failed to properly consult people of state pension age about the changes.

However, the full hearing won't be until January 15, 2025, which will be too late to stop the cuts this winter. It is unclear if a successful result could result in retrospective payments being made at a later date, or what it could mean for future payments.