Scottish Government expected to announce energy bill support for pensioners

Social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is expected to announce potential support for pensioners with their energy bills in a statement to Holyrood on Thursday.

The Scottish Government was forced to delay its devolved version of winter fuel payments and end its universality after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a cut during the summer.

The announcement, which the Chancellor blamed on a budget black hole caused by the previous Conservative UK government, sparked a political storm and drew criticism from opposition parties, charities and Scottish ministers.

On Wednesday, First Minister John Swinney hinted at support potentially coming for pensioners struggling to pay their bills this winter, with a statement due to be made to Holyrood on the issue.

Speaking to journalists after a speech in Edinburgh, he said: “There are possible steps that could be taken within Scotland to ameliorate the difficulties that are faced by pensioners living in a colder climate without winter fuel payments.

“That will obviously be the subject of a statement to Parliament tomorrow.”

Pressed on the issue by broadcasters following the speech, Swinney refused to outline what the plans would be, saying the Scottish Parliament must be informed first.

But he did say: “What I am certain of is that the Government I lead must be a Government that stands and offers support to those who face challenges in our society, stands alongside those who are able to take forward opportunities, and that’s exactly what will govern and dictate our approach on all the issues that we face.”

The First Minister’s comments come after Scottish Labour announced it plans to force a vote on winter fuel payments through an amendment to a social security Bill next week, which would make the Scottish Government’s devolved payment universal but would allow ministers to claw back payments made to households which earn above a level they set.

The announcement comes after the party said it would legislate for the payments if it wins the 2026 Holyrood election, despite the UK Government’s forced changes.

Swinney said: “I think in the spirit of trying to find common ground, I’m grateful for the fact that (Scottish Labour leader) Anas Sarwar has now realised the Labour Government in London is a real big problem for us with the decision that they’ve taken on winter fuel.

“So that’s at least a step forward, that he now realises how damaging the cut to winter fuel payments has been by the UK Labour Government, a decision which I don’t think any of us thought a UK Labour Government would take.”

Insight Colin Mackay Political Editor

After First Minister’s Questions, the social justice secretary Shirley Anne Somerville will make a statement to parliament about supporting older people with increasing energy costs.

Since the UK Government scrapped the universal winter fuel payment to pensioners this year to close a £22bn pound Budget black hole, Labour has seen a significant backlash.

To the extent that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said he would fix it in Scotland if he wins the next Holyrood election in 2026.

On Wednesday, John Swinney was setting out his style – what he described as the approach of a Swinney Government – and on this he made it clear he is ready to do it now, for all pensioners in Scotland this year, this winter.