Pensioners in Scotland will get a payment to help with heating next winter, the Scottish Government has revealed.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Justice Secretar,y said every pensioner will get at least £100 in winter 2025/26.

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It comes after the UK Government reduced the Winter Fuel Payment to only those pensioners who get Pension Credit and the Scottish Government stated it had no choice but to follow suit.

(Image: Scottish Government)

Somerville said those who get Pension Credit and who get a £200 or £300 payment will receive the same next year.

She said all other pensioners in Scotland will get £100.

This year, only those who get Pension credit will qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.

UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, sparked anger among opposition politicians and older people welfare groups, earlier this year when she announced the decision to axe the payment for all but those on the lowest incomes.

(Image: PA)

Somerville said: “The measures I have announced today will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish Government recognises that more must be done.

“Ahead of next winter, I will bring forward regulations to introduce universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payments in winter 2025-26 for Scottish pensioners.”

The Cabinet Secretary said the UK Government's decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut the funding available to support the Scottish Government’s new benefit this winter by £147 million.

Somerville added: “We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. We will do our best to make sure no-one has to make a decision between heating and eating, and we will continue to protect pensioners.”

Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter.  

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The measures include an additional £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide support to people in crisis this winter.

An additional £20 million will be invested into the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems.

The Scottish Conservatives said the Scottish Government was "hoodwinking" pensioners by making the announcement seem like a return to the full payment.

Somerville responded: "We have returned to a universal payment for pensioners, and that is an important principle we are determined to hold to."