Winter Fuel Payment Cut: Over half of Scottish pensioners say they will heat their homes less this winter

A new poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the staggering effects of the cut to the winter fuel allowance this winter.

The poll of pensioners showed that 86% of pensioners in Scotland are expected to be affected by the UK Government’s cut to winter fuel allowance payments.

Staggeringly, over half (58%) of Scottish pensioners polled said they would likely be heating their homes less this winter, while four in ten will look to cut back on other ‘essentials.’

Across the UK, 11 million pensioners are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payment under the government’s plans, including two million that the Charity Age UK has said will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result.

The poll comes as there is set to be a vote in the UK Parliament on the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance. Liberal Democrats initially called for a vote by tabling a motion and will now take the opportunity to oppose the government.

The Scottish Government has been preparing to replace the Winter Fuel Payment with Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and has announced that it will replicate the changes being made by the UK Government. The replacement has been deferred until winter 2025-26.

Liberal Democrat Scottish affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

“The government should do the right thing and change course on this.

“The decision to cut the winter fuel allowance will put untold stress on pensioners across Scotland, with many feeling they have to endure the cold this winter and cut back on basic spending.

“While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We cannot stand by and allow millions of pensioners to endure another winter in a cost of living crisis. Liberal Democrats will be voting against the government’s cut.”