Scotland to Reinstate Universal Winter Fuel Payment for Pensioners by 2025

[Social Media]

 

The Scottish government has announced that all pensioners in Scotland will be eligible for a winter fuel payment beginning in the 2025/26 financial year. This significant move, intended to alleviate fuel poverty among older residents, was revealed by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.  

 

The policy, which aims to reverse recent changes to winter fuel support, will benefit an estimated 900,000 pensioners in Scotland. These individuals had previously been excluded from universal access to the winter fuel payment after changes by both the UK and Scottish governments limited eligibility to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.  

 

Under the new proposal, payments will vary based on eligibility and age. Pensioners receiving pension credit or other qualifying benefits will be entitled to payments of either £200 or £300, depending on their age group. Those who do not meet the criteria for these benefits will still receive a reduced payment of £100, ensuring that support is extended universally to all pensioners.  

 

Shirley-Anne Somerville, addressing the Parliament, emphasized the Scottish government’s commitment to fairness and respect in social policies. She stated, "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."  

 

The announcement marks a shift in policy following the decision earlier this year to limit winter fuel payments to a narrower group of recipients. Explaining the rationale behind the new plan, Somerville added, "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."  

 

If the regulations are approved, the universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will come into effect before the winter season of 2025. This development reaffirms the Scottish government’s pledge to support its older population during the challenging winter months.

 

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-02

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

The Scottish government has announced that all pensioners in Scotland will be eligible for a winter fuel payment beginning in the 2025/26 financial year. This significant move, intended to alleviate fuel poverty among older residents, was revealed by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville in a statement to the Scottish Parliament.  

 

The policy, which aims to reverse recent changes to winter fuel support, will benefit an estimated 900,000 pensioners in Scotland. These individuals had previously been excluded from universal access to the winter fuel payment after changes by both the UK and Scottish governments limited eligibility to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.  

 

Under the new proposal, payments will vary based on eligibility and age. Pensioners receiving pension credit or other qualifying benefits will be entitled to payments of either £200 or £300, depending on their age group. Those who do not meet the criteria for these benefits will still receive a reduced payment of £100, ensuring that support is extended universally to all pensioners.  

 

 

Shirley-Anne Somerville, addressing the Parliament, emphasized the Scottish government’s commitment to fairness and respect in social policies. She stated, "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."  

 

The announcement marks a shift in policy following the decision earlier this year to limit winter fuel payments to a narrower group of recipients. Explaining the rationale behind the new plan, Somerville added, "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."  

 

If the regulations are approved, the universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will come into effect before the winter season of 2025. This development reaffirms the Scottish government’s pledge to support its older population during the challenging winter months.

 

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-02

 

 

 

Silly move.

Just goodies for the next election.

Now even millionaires will get the bonus if they are old age pensioners.

Good luck with your downturn 🥺

[RuamRudy]

20 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Silly move.

Just goodies for the next election.

Now even millionaires will get the bonus if they are old age pensioners.

Good luck with your downturn 🥺

 

The cost of means testing it would exceed any savings made. This way the Scottish government can ensure  that all pensioners get vital help next year. 

[newbee2022]

36 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

The cost of means testing it would exceed any savings made. This way the Scottish government can ensure  that all pensioners get vital help next year. 

I'm not sure really if you like to see a millionaire participating of this nonsense 

[RuamRudy]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

I'm not sure really if you like to see a millionaire participating of this nonsense 

 

It's cheaper than means testing - that's the only factor that matters. 

[newbee2022]

8 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

It's cheaper than means testing - that's the only factor that matters. 

If people envy each other it will create an uproar. Justice and fairness is more important

[scottiejohn]

2 hours ago, RuamRudy said:

The cost of means testing it would exceed any savings made.

Please provide the figures to back up that statement!

[transam]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

I'm not sure really if you like to see a millionaire participating of this nonsense 

Why does it bother you, as long as those who need it get it............?  🤔

[RuamRudy]

46 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

Please provide the figures to back up that statement!

 

Bear in mind that this is a one off payment, not a regular allowance. To set up a team of people to vet the nation's pensioners for a one time payment surely seems, from any perspective, to be administratively wasteful. 

 

But if you aren't convinced, try this:

 

Universal Benefits Are Actually Cheaper Than Means-Tested Ones

[scottiejohn]

47 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

Bear in mind that this is a one off payment, not a regular allowance. To set up a team of people to vet the nation's pensioners for a one time payment surely seems, from any perspective, to be administratively wasteful. 

 

But if you aren't convinced, try this:

 

Universal Benefits Are Actually Cheaper Than Means-Tested Ones

I asked for the figures for this event!

Not for some long winded out of date left wing US cr@P!

Edited 47 minutes ago by scottiejohn

[RuamRudy]

52 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

I asked for the figures for this event!

Not for some long winded out of date left wing US cr@P!

 

The event hasn't happened because common sense led to the decision to do the opposite to what you seen to be wishing for.

 

How does economic theory become out of date?