DWP axed Winter Fuel Payment to be reinstated for nearly one million after Labour cut

The SNP Government is set to reinstate a Winter Fuel Payment for nearly one million Scots, reversing Chancellor Rachel Reeves' cut. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will announce the move at Holyrood today in an attempt to outmanoeuvre the Labour Government.

It's understood that all older Scots will be entitled to a payment, but not every recipient will receive the same amount as some pensioners are wealthy. Reeves' decision to means-test a payment worth up to £300 will see millions of people lose out - including around 900,000 people in Scotland.

Critics have labelled the decision heartless, given the rising energy bills and the anticipation of a harsh winter. John Swinney's Government is actively considering reversing the cut for Scotland and it is expected that Somerville will confirm the move in a statement - days ahead of the Scottish Budget on December 4.

Providing some form of sum to all older Scots will allow the SNP Government to argue they are reintroducing a 'universal' payment. The new system, providing different levels of payment, is expected to be fully operational next year.

A separate payment could be introduced this year, when the WFP will still be administered by the DWP and not by the devolved Social Security Scotland, reports the Daily Record.

The First Minister, at an event yesterday, confirmed that while options to help pensioners are being considered, the final decision remains under wraps, stating: "There are possible steps that could be taken within Scotland to ameliorate the difficulties that are faced by pensioners living in a colder climate without winter fuel payments. That will obviously be the subject of a statement to Parliament."

He further emphasised his government's commitment, adding: "What I am certain of is that the Government I lead must be a Government that stands and offers support to those who face challenges in our society, stands alongside those who are able to take forward opportunities, and that's exactly what will govern and dictate our approach on all the issues that we face."

This year, SNP Ministers are set to receive an additional £1.5 billion from the UK Government, with another £3.4 billion earmarked for 2024/25.

Somerville intends to make a declaration that will perpetuate the fiery dispute between the SNP and Scottish Labour over the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP). Despite UK Labour endorsing a reduction, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pledged that a devolved administration under his helm would retract the Westminster policy.

Sarwar's strategy aims to grant every elderly person a payment while reclaiming some funds from more affluent pensioners, positioning himself ahead of Swinney's forthcoming announcement.

Sarwar stated: "A Scottish Labour government will reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in Scotland. The Winter Fuel Payment was supposed to be a devolved benefit this year and there were additional resources available to the Scottish Government through the Household Support Fund."

"That meant we could have taken a different approach in Scotland to support more households this year - instead, the SNP decided to hand the power back to the DWP. For months I have said that the eligibility criterion of pension credit is too low and called for a Scottish solution to this issue. That's why Scottish Labour will take back this devolved power from the DWP, reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment, and deliver a fairer system to ensure that everyone who needs support gets it."

Ash Regan MSP, Holyrood leader of the Alba Party, commented: "Westminster's recent budget again proves that the Exchequer continues to exploit Scotland's energy wealth while overlooking our communities and businesses, regardless of the party in power. I have offered the government reasonable and innovative solutions to focus on protecting Scotland's vulnerable pensioners this winter. Over two thirds of Scots think the Scottish Government was wrong to mirror the Westminster Winter Fuel Payment Cut and that universal entitlement should continue in Scotland."