Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has hit out at the UK Government’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment, which will result in pensioners across Moray left unable to access the equivalent support in Scotland.
Winter Fuel Payment was due to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament in a matter of weeks and the Labour UK Government’s decision will directly result in an estimated £140m to £160m of funding being wiped from the Scottish Government’s budget – nearly 90% of the cost of the Scottish Government’s new replacement benefit – leaving the Scottish Government no choice but to replicate the policy in Scotland.
Mr Lochhead is strongly encouraging pensioners in Moray to check whether they are eligible for pension credits in order to ensure that they still have access to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:
“The decision by the Labour UK Government to means test the Winter Fuel Payment ensures that pensioners in Moray will face the brunt of Westminster economic chaos.
“This cut, taken without any consultation, has resulted in the Scottish Government’s budget being slashed to the tune of up to £160m as Labour picks up where the Tories left off by driving a coach and horses through the devolution settlement.
“When the same measure was considered by the Tories just last year, the Labour Party strongly opposed it, yet now they are the ones imposing it on people in Moray and Scotland.
“There is an eerie silence from Labour politicians in Scotland about their government’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payment who no doubt would have been the first to condemn the Scottish Government if the roles were reversed.
“I would urge pensioners in Moray to check if they are eligible for pension credit to ensure that if they are, they will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment that they are entitled to for Winter 2024.”
