Scottish Labour to reintroduce universal Winter Fuel Payment after Keir Starmer cut

Scottish Labour has revealed plans to reintroduce the universal Winter Fuel Payment if they win the upcoming Holyrood election, in a move to reverse a cut made by the Labour Government led by Keir Starmer. The cut, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has impacted Scottish Labour’s poll ratings and raised concerns among insiders about its impact on the party’s electoral prospects. Party leader Anas Sarwar announced the reversal of the cut, highlighting that the Winter Fuel Payment was meant to be a devolved benefit this year, with additional resources available through the Household Support Fund for the Scottish Government to provide support to more households. Instead, the SNP decided to relinquish the power back to the DWP, prompting Sarwar to advocate for a Scottish solution to support those in need.

Sarwar expressed that the eligibility criterion of pension credit is inadequate and stressed the importance of a fairer system to ensure that everyone requiring support receives it. He affirmed Scottish Labour’s commitment to reclaiming the devolved power from the DWP, reinstating the Winter Fuel Payment, and delivering a more equitable system for the benefit of Scottish residents. Amidst a backdrop of demanding a new direction in Scotland, Sarwar underscored the opportunity for change with a Scottish Labour government in 2026.

The announcement follows revelations from the Record that the SNP Government is actively considering reintroducing a universal payment in their forthcoming Budget in December. This developing story is one to watch for updates and further details. For the latest news and breaking headlines, visit dailyrecord.co.uk and follow @Record_Politics on Twitter for updates from the team: @paulhutcheon, @andrewJQuinn97, and @dennynews. Additionally, stay connected on Facebook for essential news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail, and Record Online.

In summary, Scottish Labour’s pledge to reinstate the universal Winter Fuel Payment highlights their commitment to supporting households in need and addressing social welfare challenges in Scotland. The move serves as a critical policy announcement in the lead-up to the Holyrood election, setting the stage for debates on social welfare provisions and devolved powers in the region. The response from the SNP Government and ongoing developments in this area will likely shape the political landscape ahead of the upcoming election, with implications for pensioners and vulnerable groups in Scotland.