"Huge relief" for pensioners as universal heating payment reinstated
Age Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to reinstate an energy support payment for all pensioners, describing the move as a "huge relief" for older people.
The Scottish charity for older people has been actively campaigning for the reinstatement of the universal Winter Fuel Payment since the UK Government announced it was to stop, and their free helpline has received hundreds of desperate calls from pensioners who were worried about how they would heat their homes this winter without it.
The Scottish Government has today announced a universal payment of £100 to all pensioners from next winter, with those on Pension Credit maintaining their £200-£300 support.
Katherine Crawford, Age Scotland's chief executive said:
"Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters. The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK Government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.
"Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action. It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.
"Pensioners are the most affected by fuel poverty in Scotland and live in the coldest, hardest to heat homes. Hundreds of thousands who desperately need this support aren’t eligible for Pension Credit and would otherwise go without. This decision is logical and will be a significant help to older people.
"We must not forget that four in 10 pensioners live in fuel poverty in Scotland and a quarter are in extreme fuel poverty. We’re concerned that £100 won’t be enough for those on low and modest incomes, particularly as there is nothing else for them this winter. We would urge the government to keep looking at what more they can do to bridge the gap."
