SCOTLAND'S social justice secretary has urged the UK Government to reverse the cut to the winter fuel payment, which she said has had “devastating consequences” north of the border.
Shirley-Anne Somerville said reform of the UK energy markets is needed and urged Westminster to take action to address the root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.
The UK Government is withdrawing winter fuel payments from millions of pensioner households across the country who are not in receipt of benefits.
Following the decision at Westminster, the Scottish Government said the equivalent payment in Scotland will be restricted to “older people who receive relevant eligible benefits”, saying they had “no choice” due to the reduction in funding.
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Somerville has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and said that while the Scottish Government supports vulnerable households affected by fuel poverty “we cannot continue to mitigate UK austerity policy decisions”.
She said: “What is really needed is reform of the UK energy markets to address the root causes of fuel poverty in Scotland, such as high fuel prices.
“In these circumstances I would urge you to now reverse the winter fuel payment decision and reinstate the payment for all pensioners.
“This decision was of course taken without consultation or discussion with the Scottish Government and it has had devastating consequences for our planned launch of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, reducing the Block-Grant Adjustment for our devolved payment by over 80%.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have insisted the decision to cut winter fuel payments was necessary to help address a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances this year that they inherited from the Conservatives.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver for working people and alongside our work to boost take-up of Pension Credit, we are liaising closely with them to ensure eligible pensioners continue to receive support.
“Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right we target support to those who need it most.
“Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, while many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount, and 12 million will see their State Pension rise by £1700 this parliament.”
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