Winter fuel payments for Scottish pensioners will not be less than those being paid by the UK government south of the border, John Swinney has said. The first minister made the announcement after Chancellor Rachel Reeves U-turned on a highly controversial cut. The Scottish government had already said it would provide at least £100 to all pensioner households, with those on pension credit to receive up to £305 depending on age. But in a speech in Glasgow, Swinney confirmed no Scottish pensioner "will receive less than they would under the new UK scheme", without giving further details. Under the chancellor's scheme, every household with a person over the state pension age in England and Wales and an income of up to £35,000 will receive £200 for those aged up to 80 and £300 for those aged over 80. For those with an income of more than £35,000, the money will be recouped through the tax system. Reeves was heavily criticised forcutting universal entitlementto winter fuel payments in September last year, with only those on Pension Credit or other benefits eligible. The Scottish government was due to take over responsibility for winter fuel payments in September - but the introduction of a new universal benefit was delayed after the UK government decision. The Scottish government later committed to launching its own winter fuel payment. Under the plan, all households with a person over state pension age would receive an automatic £100 payment. That is to increase to £203 for those under the age of 80 on pension credits, and to £305 for those older than 80. It also includes an "opt-out" system for pensioners who are better off, meaning they can return the payment to the Scottish government or donate it to charity if they feel it is unnecessary.
Scottish winter fuel payment will not be less than UK rate, says Swinney
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scottish Winter Fuel Payments to Match UK Government Rates, Confirms Swinney"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Scottish pensioners can rest assured that their winter fuel payments will not be less than what is provided by the UK government, as affirmed by John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland. This announcement comes in the wake of a significant reversal by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who had previously proposed cuts to the universal entitlement for winter fuel payments. The Scottish government had already pledged to ensure that every pensioner household would receive a minimum payment of £100. Additionally, those on pension credit could receive up to £305, depending on their age. During a speech delivered in Glasgow, Swinney emphasized that no Scottish pensioner would receive a lesser payment than what is offered under the revised UK scheme, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the new payment structure.
Under the UK government's plan, households with individuals over the state pension age and an income of up to £35,000 are set to receive £200 for those aged up to 80 and £300 for those aged over 80. However, for those with incomes exceeding £35,000, the payments will be reclaimed through the tax system. The Chancellor faced considerable backlash for the decision to limit winter fuel payments to only those on Pension Credit or other benefits, a move that was made in September of the previous year. Initially, the Scottish government was scheduled to take over the responsibility for winter fuel payments in September, but the rollout of a new universal benefit was postponed due to the UK government's policy changes. In response, the Scottish government committed to implementing its own winter fuel payment initiative, which includes an automatic payment for all households with a person over the state pension age. This initiative also features an opt-out option for wealthier pensioners, allowing them to return the payment to the Scottish government or donate it to charity if they deem it unnecessary.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.