For immediate release

The Scottish Government have taken action to deliver a new payment to support older people with energy bills, to “right a disgraceful wrong by the UK Labour Government”, says Rutherglen Constituency MSP Clare Haughey. 

Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the support payment in a statement to Holyrood, confirming the payment will be rolled out to every pensioner in Rutherglen and Cambuslang when the Scottish Government’s new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is introduced next year.

Ms Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter, including an additional £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund to provide vital support to people in crisis, and an additional £20 million for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme.

Previously, Scottish Labour MPs, including local Labour MP Michael Shanks, backed cutting the Winter Fuel Payment for 900,000 Scots, while SNP MPs voted against it.  Weeks later, Scottish Labour MSPs voted against a Holyrood motion by First Minister John Swinney demanding the UK government scrapped the plans.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said;

“The announcement of this new support by the Scottish Government has righted a disgraceful wrong by the UK Labour government, ensuring pensioners in Rutherglen and Cambuslang are supported at a time of soaring energy bills and shameful inaction from the UK government.

“This new payment will be a vital lifeline for nearly a million Scots – delivered by a Government that puts the people of Scotland first.

“During the election campaign, Labour promised to bring down energy bills and support older people.  Their Winter Fuel Payment cut, which local MP Michael Shanks voted for, was a gross betrayal of their promises to the public.

“Thankfully, the SNP Scottish Government are mopping up Labour’s mess, and will always stand up for our older people.”

ENDS