Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, has urged residents in the constituency to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
From winter 2024, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will be an annual payment, will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.
The Scottish Government are consulting with people across Renfrewshire South, to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid. The consultation closes on January 15th 2024.
Tom is urging constituents in Renfrewshire South to engage with the consultation, in order to ensure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs.
Commenting, Tom Arthur said:
“The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP-led Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including thousands in Renfrewshire South.
“The Scottish Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known of how this payment can best be delivered.
“Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established.
“Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million people as the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.”