Scottish Labour MPs ‘upset’ about being kept in the dark over universal Winter Fuel Payment decision

Scottish Labour MPs were left feeling “upset” after being kept in the dark about Anas Sarwar’s decision to reintroduce a universal Winter Fuel Payment if he wins the next Holyrood election. It was revealed by the Daily Record two weeks ago that Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, intended to reverse a cut implemented by his party’s government. During a meeting addressing the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party group, Scottish Labour’s shadow finance secretary Michael Marra discussed the decision. Some MPs expressed their disappointment at not being informed about the decision prior to its media appearance. A source stated, “Some MPs said they were upset to find out about it in the manner that they did.”

The UK Labour Government had chosen to target the benefit shortly after taking office in the summer. Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, which can amount to £300, would have impacted approximately 900,000 Scots. This move was criticised as heartless, especially as energy costs were increasing and citizens were bracing for a harsh winter. In response, the SNP announced their intention to partially reinstate the benefit next year. The means-testing decision negatively affected Scottish Labour’s poll ratings, causing concern among insiders that it could contribute to the Nationalists retaining power.

Anas Sarwar stated, “A Scottish Labour government will reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in Scotland.” He highlighted that the benefit was initially meant to be devolved and additional resources were available through the Household Support Fund, allowing for a different approach to support households in Scotland. Sarwar emphasised the need for a fairer system to ensure all those requiring assistance receive it. The SNP’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, disclosed that pensioners in Scotland already receiving payments of £200 or £300 would continue to do so automatically next winter. Additionally, universal payments of £100 would be extended to all other pensioner households.

A Scottish Labour spokesperson reaffirmed the party’s commitment to utilising the Scottish Parliament’s powers to reinstate Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners and implement a fairer system tailored to Scotland’s needs. The spokesperson acknowledged the role of Scottish Labour MPs in facilitating the adoption of a transformative UK Labour budget, which marked the end of Tory austerity and secured unprecedented funding levels for Scotland.

In summary, the decision to reintroduce a universal Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland has underscored important issues within the Labour Party in Scotland, with MPs expressing discontent over lack of prior notification. This move by Anas Sarwar aligns with Labour’s vision for a fairer welfare system, contrasting with the means-testing approach initiated by the UK Labour Government. The SNP’s commitment to partially reinstating the benefit signals a broader political landscape where social welfare policies play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.