The SNP has challenged Sir Keir Starmer to U-turn on the Labour government’s damaging plan to end the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners – as new analysis shows the devastating impact on households in Scotland.
SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP pledged that SNP MPs will vote against the cuts when they are introduced by statutory instrument in the Commons next Tuesday.
It comes as new analysis, published by the SNP today, shows around 860,000 pensioners in Scotland could lose up to £500 a year in winter fuel payments from November, and up to £2,500 by the next UK general election, as a result of the Labour government’s cuts.
In 2022-23, the analysis shows 991,431 pensioners in Scotland received the Winter Fuel Payment.
Yet, just 133,106 people in Scotland aged 65 and over are currently in receipt of Pension Credit or other means tested benefits, meaning around 87% of pensioners in Scotland will lose out under the Labour government’s cuts this winter.
To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must earn less than £11,343 a year – meaning thousands of pensioners on a low or modest income will be just above the threshold for the Winter Fuel Payment under the Labour government’s plans.
This includes those who rely on the state pension of just £11,502 a year, and those who face higher energy needs as a result of living in colder parts of the country or suffering from illnesses.
In winter 2023/24, all pensioners received a minimum of £500 in winter fuel payments per household, rising to £600 for those over 80.
This included a standard winter fuel payment of £200 to £300, and a pensioner cost of living payment of £300.
The Labour government is ending the pensioner cost of living payment entirely and restricting the remainder of the winter fuel payment to those on means-tested benefits only.
Commenting, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn MP said:
“Keir Starmer must U-turn on his damaging plan to end the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners across the UK, which will see around 860,000 Scottish pensioners pay the price for the Labour government’s draconian cuts.
“During the election, the Labour Party promised voters they would end austerity cuts and lower energy bills but they have broken their word and done the complete opposite.
“Under the Labour Party, energy bills are increasing by ten per cent this winter and pensioners will see their incomes slashed by £500 a year as Keir Starmer takes the axe to public services.
“These cuts will hit hard-pressed pensioners in the pocket and gut Scotland’s budget by more than £100million a year, showing the devastating impact Westminster cuts have on Scotland.
“The SNP will stand up for pensioners and vote against the Labour government’s cuts.
“It’s not right that pensioners living on as little as £219 a week will lose this vital support under the Labour Party’s plan.
“I urge MPs across parties to do the right thing and vote against these cuts.”
