Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to deliver a new payment to support older people with their energy bills.
Commenting Fiona said:
“The UK Government’s decision to axe universal Winter Fuel Payment, will mean pensioners in West Lothian are going without essential support this winter.
“In 2022/23 28,955 people in West Lothian were in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment, however many of these people will have lost this support due to the UK Government’s decision to scrap universal winter heating support.
“I am pleased to see the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Sommerville MSP, confirm to the Scottish Parliament that the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be available to all pensioners in West Lothian when introduced next year.
“This year’s budget has made it clear that only the SNP are committed to providing essential support such as this to people across West Lothian and the rest of Scotland.
“This payment will be a lifeline for many people across West Lothian and shows that the Scottish Government are willing to stand up for pensioners, especially when the UK Government fails to do so.
“I would encourage all political parties in the Parliament to come together to support this budget to ensure this vital support will be available to pensioners across Scotland next winter.”
ENDS