Anas Sarwar says he will reverse the cut introduced by the Labour Government
By Democrat reporter
Scottish Labour have seen sense at last and announced they will bring back a universal Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners — but only if they win the next Holyrood election.
Party leader Anas Sarwar will reverse the hated budget cut made by his own Labour Government at Westminster.
The means-test, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has hit Scottish Labour’s poll rating and insiders are worried the policy could keep the SNP in power.
However, this “good news” by Anas Sarwar and his Scottish leadership colleagues, who include Dame Jackie Baillie, the Dumbarton MSP, may be too late to save the seats of some of their colleagues and pave the way for the SNP to cling to power north of the border.
Devolution of the payment, which would stretch to up to a much-needed £300 in the current crisis, has been delayed and will be under full operational control of Holyrood from next year.
Sarwar told journalists: “A Scottish Labour government will reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in Scotland. The Winter Fuel Payment was supposed to be a devolved benefit this year and there were additional resources available to the Scottish Government through the Household Support Fund.
“That’s why Scottish Labour will take back this devolved power from the DWP, reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment, and deliver a fairer system to ensure that everyone who needs support gets it. A UK Labour government is clearing up the mess left by a chaotic Tory government – here in Scotland, people are demanding a new direction and in 2026 we have the opportunity to deliver it with a Scottish Labour government.”
It is understood cash from wealthy pensioners could then be clawed back. With extra money coming to Holyrood from the Labour Government’s Budget, Sarwar’s team believes there is enough funding for the move.
Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “While it is great that Mr Sarwar has backtracked from his vote against the winter fuel payment only a few weeks ago, the idea that he would reinstate the benefit if elected in 2026 is simply not good enough. It is mid-November and temperatures have already plummeted. This time of year can be perilous to the most vulnerable groups in our country and we have to find ways to take care of them.
“The pensioners who are freezing now don’t have the time to wait for Labour politicians to find their principles or their spines – they need support in place immediately to tackle the exorbitant rates it costs to simply stay warm in their homes.”