Scottish Government says axing universal winter fuel payments is ‘disappointing’

The Chancellor’s “disappointing” decision to axe winter fuel payments for some pensioners was made without consulting ministers at Holyrood, Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.

Ms Someville hit out at Rachel Reeves after the Chancellor announced the payment, which is worth up £300, would no longer be made available to everyone above state pension age.

Adding that “incredibly tough choices” had had to be made, Ms Reeves said only those in receipt of pension credit or “certain other means-tested benefits” would continue to receive it.

The Scottish Government has estimated the move could reduce the funding it receives from Westminster by up to £160 million.

It comes as the Scottish Government prepares to introduce the pension age winter heating payment to take the place of the winter fuel payment from winter 2024.

While the Scottish Government’s website states its intention that the new payment “will be paid to everyone over the state pension age every winter”, ministers will now have to determine if this will be affordable in the light of the UK Government’s decision.

Ms 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, which contrasts with the UK Government’s commitment to have a better working relationship.”

She added that the Scottish Government was now “urgently considering the financial impact of the UK Government’s cut to winter fuel payment in England and Wales, and what this means for our replacement, pension age winter heating payments in Scotland”.

The Social Justice Secretary stressed: “The Scottish Government is committed to tackling fuel poverty and has consistently supported vulnerable households through a range of actions.”

The Treasury has been contacted for comment.