Social justice secretary demands Winter Fuel Payment return

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is making a powerful call to action. In a recent letter to secretary of state for work and pensions Liz Kendall, she urges the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Ms Somerville is not only highlighting the immediate impact of this decision but is also advocating for a deeper understanding of the root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

The UK Government recently published an equality analysis on the effects of introducing means-tested Winter Fuel Payments. Shockingly, it revealed that a significant number of individuals will be adversely affected by this change in policy.

In her letter, Ms Somerville emphasises the Scottish Government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable households facing fuel poverty. Despite allocating £134 million this year towards initiatives such as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund, she acknowledges the limitations of solely mitigating UK austerity measures.

She stresses the necessity for a fundamental reform of the UK energy markets to tackle the underlying issues contributing to fuel poverty in Scotland, including high fuel prices. Ms Somerville unequivocally calls for the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners, citing the decision’s unanticipated consequences on the planned launch of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

Expressing disappointment in the lack of consultation with the Scottish Government prior to the implementation of the cut, she outlines the difficult choices made in response to such actions. The substantial reduction in the Block-Grant Adjustment for the devolved payment has compelled the Scottish Government to align its approach in the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment scheme with the UK Government’s decision.

As the Winter approaches, the importance of addressing these critical issues cannot be overstated. Ms Somerville’s plea for a reconsideration of the Winter Fuel Payment cut underscores the imperative to prioritise the well-being of vulnerable individuals and households.