East Kilbride MSP: SNP government 'right the wrong' of Labour's pensioner 'betrayal' with rollout of heating payment

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The Scottish Government’s decision to deliver a new payment to support older people with energy bills “has righted a disgraceful wrong by the UK Labour government”, Collette Stevenson MSP has said.

Cabinet Secretary Shirley Anne Somerville announced the support payment in a statement to Holyrood on Thursday, November 28, confirming the payment will be rolled out when the SNP Government’s new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is introduced next year.

Scottish Labour MPs followed Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer in the voting lobbies at Westminster backing the cut of the Winter Fuel Payment for 900,000 Scots, while SNP MPs voted to scrap the cut.

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

East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson said: “The announcement of this new support by the SNP Scottish Government has righted a disgraceful wrong by the UK Labour government, ensuring Scotland’s pensioners are supported at a time of soaring energy bills and shameful inaction from the UK government.

“The SNP Scottish Government offers a wealth of support for Scotland’s 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.

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

At an event yesterday, the First Minister confirmed options are being considered but refused to reveal the final decision: “There are possible steps that could be taken within Scotland to ameliorate the difficulties that are faced by pensioners living in a colder climate without winter fuel payments. That will obviously be the subject of a statement to Parliament.”

He added: “What I am certain of is that the Government I lead must be a Government that stands and offers support to those who face challenges in our society, stands alongside those who are able to take forward opportunities, and that’s exactly what will govern and dictate our approach on all the issues that we face.”

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