The Scottish National Party (SNP) administration is facing criticism for its decision to discontinue universal winter fuel payments in Scotland. Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, has accused SNP ministers of making a "political choice" rather than being forced into the decision by the UK government's actions.
Ross challenged John Swinney's assertion that the Scottish government had no alternative but to follow the UK Chancellor's decision to means-test the benefit. The Scottish Tory leader pointed out that the £160 million reduction in funding through the Barnett formula represents only 0.3% of the SNP administration's £50 billion annual budget.
"The winter fuel payment – shamefully cut by Labour at Westminster – was devolved to the Scottish Government. The decision not to pay this money to Scottish pensioners is one taken by the SNP Government."
The SNP's decision means that nearly one million Scottish pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments starting this year. The benefit, ranging from £100 to £300, will now be limited to 130,000 older adults receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits. This change breaks the SNP's 2021 Holyrood election manifesto pledge to maintain universal payments.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on pensioner mortality rates, particularly given Scotland's colder climate compared to the rest of the UK. Ross referenced a 2017 Labour warning that suggested cutting winter fuel payments could lead to 4,000 additional pensioner deaths across the UK. He challenged Swinney to provide estimates on how many unnecessary deaths this policy change might cause in Scotland.
The debate also highlighted a consultation published by SNP ministers in May 2024, which suggested that the "eligibility and scope" of the Scottish winter fuel payment would be reviewed. This has led to accusations that the SNP was considering scaling back the benefit before the UK Labour Government's announcement.
In response, John Swinney expressed regret over the situation, stating that the Scottish Government had planned to continue universal payments. He claimed that his administration was given only 90 minutes' notice of the Chancellor's announcement to means-test the benefit in the rest of the UK.
This controversy underscores the complex interplay between devolved powers and UK-wide policies, as well as the challenges faced by the Scottish Government in managing its budget while maintaining social welfare programs. As winter approaches, the impact of this decision on Scotland's elderly population remains a subject of intense debate and concern.