Arran Banner Letters – week 31, 2024

Don’t scrap the winter fuel payment

Sir,

Age Scotland is urging the UK government to reconsider plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for pensioners who do not receive pension credit.

This move will effectively take money away from some of the lowest income pensioners in Scotland.

There are currently more than 150,000 pensioners living in poverty in this country and we know many more are living on incomes just above the pension credit threshold. They will now miss out on a payment which could help them heat their homes and stay warm over winter.

I would urge the UK government to look again at this decision, which affects older people who are already struggling with the high cost of living and will now face being worse off at a time they desperately need support.

Already we are getting calls to our helpline from older people who are distressed by the announcement and worried about what lies ahead.

I would call on anyone in that position to get in touch with our free helpline on 08001 244222 where our advisers can carry out a full benefits check to ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Around 123,000 pensioners in Scotland who are eligible for pension credit are not claiming it and they are some of the people who are going to be worst affected when the payment is withdrawn. 

The winter fuel payment is due to be devolved to the Scottish Government and our hope is it will be restored as a universal benefit, particularly in light of the fact Scotland generally experiences worse weather than other parts of the UK and more than half of those who receive it use it as an important part of winter budgeting.

Keeping or reinstating the winter fuel payment will ensure money is going to those who need it most, when they need it most.

Yours,

Katherine Crawford,

Age Scotland.