Thousands of Scottish pensioners to receive up to £305 in winter heating support

More than 720,000 pensioners across Scotland are set to receive increased winter heating payments this year, with households getting up to £305.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payments will be made to all pensioner households with an income below £35,000 – £203.40 for most, rising to £305.10 for those where someone is aged 80 or over.

The move, announced by social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, comes after the UK Government reversed cuts to winter fuel payments.

In response, the Scottish Government has withdrawn planned emergency regulations that were aimed at shielding pensioners from those reductions.

Somerville said the payments will offer vital support during the colder months and ensure Scottish pensioners are better off compared to those elsewhere in the UK.

Talks are also under way with the UK Government about recovering payments from higher-income pensioners through the tax system, though no additional action will be required from recipients.

Somerville said: “The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome if belated.

“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government.

“We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.

“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system.

“The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.

“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”