By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-19 11:06:28 | Updated at 2024-11-24 05:29:20
4 days ago
Scottish Labour has pledged to bring back the winter fuel payment for all pensioners north of the border in a blow to Sir Keir Starmer.
Anas Sarwar's party has made the pledge to bring the policy back if they win the 2026 Holyrood election.
It comes after the UK Government drew ire from across the political spectrum in the summer after announcing the benefit would only be available to those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits, just weeks after taking office.
Under the plans, all pensioners would receive the payment initially, but it would be tapered over the years to reflect the income of recipients, with those who are better off receiving less in the longer term.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar
PA
Sarwar said: "A ScottishLabour 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 (Department for Work and Pensions).
"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 ScottishLabour 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.
"A UK Labour Government is clearing up the mess left by a chaotic Tory government – here in Scotland, people are demanding a new direction and in 2026 we have the opportunity to deliver it with a Scottish Labour government."
A UK Government Cabinet minister said ScottishLabour had “made their choice” and it was part of devolution that there would be differences across the union.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: "I’m a big supporter of devolution. Devolution means different countries in the UK can do things differently.
"So Scottish Labour have made their choice – if they win the election in Scotland, that’s what they’ll do."
More to come...
