John Swinney challenges Angela Rayner over means testing of winter fuel payments following cuts

John Swinney has challenged the deputy prime minister over the means testing of winter fuel payments – as he conceded “tens of thousands” of pensioners in Scotland will be impacted.

In the wake of the UK Government’s decision to only award the winter fuel payment to pensioners in receipt of certain benefits, ministers at Holyrood said the loss of £160m cash as a result meant their replacement for the benefit – the pension age winter heating payment – would also have to be means tested.

The Scottish First Minister raised the issue as he held talks with Angela Rayner in Edinburgh on Thursday.

While the SNP leader insisted he was “committed to building a constructive and collaborative relationship with the UK Government”, he revealed afterwards he had “expressed concern at the UK Government’s decision to cut spending for the winter fuel payment for pensioners without any consultation with the Scottish Government”.

Swinney stated: “Scotland faces the most challenging financial circumstances in the devolution era and has no alternative but to replicate this decision which will impact tens of thousands of pensioners in Scotland.”

John Swinney met Angela Rayner for talks in his official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Media

The Scottish First Minister’s comments came as he repeated that “an injection of investment” is needed in public services “to deal with rising pressures and the ongoing cost of austerity”.

Discussions with Rayner had included how the Scottish and UK Governments can “work together on shared priorities such as supporting strong public services” as well as environmental efforts towards net-zero.

Swinney stressed: “I look forward to engaging with the UK Government in areas where we can work together.”

With riots having flared in parts of England and Northern Ireland following the recent killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, Swinney said: “Both governments restated their duty to tackle hatred of any kind and agreed we have a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice wherever, and whenever, it appears – including on social media.”