Age Scotland is urging the UK government to reconsider plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners who do not receive pension credit.
Scotland’s charity for older people has said the move will push tens of thousands of low income pensioners in Scotland further into poverty, and puts some of the poorest older people at greater risk of ill-health and burgeoning debt.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced the decision to means test the winter fuel payment – which is worth up to £300 a year for those of state pension age – on Monday. Anyone who does not receive, or claim, pension credit will no longer get the payment aimed at helping older people with fuel bills over the coldest months.
Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “This move will effectively take money away from some of the lowest income pensioners in Scotland.
“There are currently more than 150,000 pensioners living in poverty in this country, and we know that many more are living on incomes just above the pension credit threshold. They will now miss out on a payment which could help them heat their homes and stay warm over winter.
“I would urge the UK government to look again at this decision, which affects older people who are already struggling with the high cost of living and will now face being worse off at a time they desperately need support.
“Already we are getting calls to our helpline from older people who are distressed by the announcement and worried about what lies ahead. I would call on anyone in that position to get in touch with our free helpline on 0800 12 44 222 where our advisers can carry out a full benefits’ check to ensure that you are getting everything you are entitled to.
“We know that around 123,000 pensioners in Scotland who are eligible for pension credit are not claiming it – and they are some of the people who are going to be worst affected when the payment is withdrawn. Just 140,000 pensioners do claim pension credit, which leaves many thousands losing out who really cannot afford to do so.
“The winter fuel payment is due to be devolved to the Scottish Government and our hope is that it will be restored as a universal benefit, particularly in light of the fact that Scotland does generally experience worse weather than other parts of the UK and more than half of those who receive it use it as an important part of winter budgeting.
“Keeping or reinstating the winter fuel payment will also ensure that money is going to those who need it most, when they need it most.”
The Scottish Government has also expressed ‘disappointment’ at Rachel Reeves decision.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley Ann Somerville said: “The Chancellor’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payment is disappointing and was made without consultation or discussion with the Scottish Government.”
