Ayrshire MSP backs new Scottish winter energy payment for pensioners

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

An Ayrshire MSP has said the Scottish Government have “righted a disgraceful wrong” by supporting older people with their energy bills.

Ayr, Prestwick and Troon MSP Siobhan Brown welcomed the move which will see a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment introduced next year.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Sommerville announced the support payment in a statement to Holyrood on Thursday, November 28, and confirmed the payment would be rolled out to every pensioner in Scotland.

Ms Brown criticised Scottish Labour MPs for “shamefully” following Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer in the voting lobbies at Westminster and backing the cut of the Winter Fuel Payment for 900,000 Scots while SNP MPs voted against it.

Labour MSPs also voted against a Holyrood motion by First Minister John Swinney demanding the UK government reverse the introduction of means testing for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Commenting Ms Brown said: “The announcement of this new support by the SNP Scottish Government has righted a disgraceful wrong by the UK Labour government, ensuring pensioners across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon and indeed Scotland are supported at a time of soaring energy bills and shameful inaction from the UK government.

Download the Ayrshire Live app today

The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.

The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.

The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.

“The SNP Scottish Government offers a wealth of support for older people and this new payment will be a vital lifeline for nearly a million Scots - delivered by a Government that puts the people of Scotland first.

“During the election campaign, Sir Keir Starmer promised to bring down energy bills and support older people. Labour’s Winter Fuel Payment cut to 900,000 Scots was a gross betrayal of their promises to the public and shows just how little ‘change’ there is under a Labour government at Westminster.

“Scotland will not forgive Scottish Labour MPs and MSPs who shamefully backed the cutting of the Winter Fuel Payment. I will always stand up for older people - especially when Westminster fails to do so.”

Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.