Scottish government might bring back pensioner payments after surprise money boost
Scottish ministers look into returning winter fuel money to all pensioners following unexpected Treasury funding. The change could happen next winter after getting new budget control
Ivan McKee‚ the SNP finance minister thinks about giving winter fuel money back to all Scottish pensioners (thanks to new Treasury cash coming in Apr 2025)
The SNP promised this in their manifesto bout 3 years ago but had to back down when the UK Labour govt changed the rules. Now with a £3.4 billion boost from London theyʼre taking another look: the benefit moves to Scottish control next year
I personally actually agree that universalism on everything is not the wisest way to use public resources
The govt says it would need round £150-million to pay everyone which wasnt possible before. The money situation changed when Rachel Reeves the Chancellor gave more cash - even though some of its going to pay-raises for public-workers
- Current payments only go to people on pension credit
- The benefit gives up to £300 yearly
- Scotland already has other UK-different perks
Anas Sarwar Scottish Labours leader says theyʼll talk with the Treasury bout extra costs - specially for things like National Insurance costs in the NHS. The SNP thinks its a good-first step but wants more info on how everything will work-out
