SNP confirms Winter Fuel Allowance plans

The Scottish National Party has recently announced that if it receives a yes vote it will continue with the Winter Fuel Allowance for Scottish pensioners. It also pledged to increase the payment in line with inflation. At present, the Allowance is £200 and has remained the same since 2001 irrespective of energy prices having increased.

Furthermore the Scottish National Party has reassured that the Allowance would no longer be means tested with a view to offering more assistance to pensioners with their heating costs.

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy Leader of the SNP said:

“With the opportunity of independence we will ensure our pensioners continue to benefit from the Winter Fuel Allowance and that it keeps pace with the cost of living by increasing in line with inflation. A huge part of the rising cost of living is the rising cost of energy bills. With independence we will take action to reduce energy bills by at least £70 per household and we will not means test the winter fuel allowance like the labour party are planning to.” “A no vote means Scotland would face the £25bn of austerity cuts coming from Westminster. When even Labour are threatening to cut support for pensioners it is clear that only with a Yes vote can we uses Scotland’s wealth to support our older people, to take action on bills and to ensure our pensioners are protected.” “As pensioners across Scotland wake up to the opportunity of independence to provide a fairer deal for them and a brighter future for Scotland’s young people there is a real chance in this referendum to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.”