The Scottish Government has unveiled a landmark plan to provide universal winter heating payments to pensioners, starting in winter 2025-26, ensuring every pensioner household receives vital financial support.
From next year, pensioners receiving qualifying benefits such as Pension Credit will receive £300 or £200 depending on their age, while all other pensioner households will receive a flat payment of £100.
This initiative, unique to Scotland, offers support unavailable elsewhere in the UK and reflects the government’s commitment to tackling fuel poverty among older citizens.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville emphasised the importance of this measure, which restores universal payments for pensioners after the UK Government’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut Scotland’s funding by £147 million.
Ms Somerville confirmed a broader £41 million support package to help people across Scotland with energy costs this winter, offering immediate relief to those struggling.
The Scottish Welfare Fund will receive an additional £20 million, empowering local councils to assist those facing crisis situations this winter.
A further £20 million will bolster the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, helping households install energy-saving measures and more efficient heating systems, potentially reducing energy bills by an average of £300 annually.
To combat homelessness and sustain tenancies, £1 million will be allocated to registered social landlords and third-sector organisations, marking a shift towards preventative measures rather than crisis interventions.
Ms Somerville stated:
“These measures will help alleviate fears for pensioners ahead of next winter, but we recognise more must be done to address the ongoing energy cost crisis.”
She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one faces the impossible choice between heating their home or buying food, promising continued action to protect vulnerable pensioners.
This announcement demonstrates Scotland’s determination to lead with progressive policies and ensure its citizens, particularly older generations, are supported through the harsh winter months.
