VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS GUARANTEED SUPPORT DURING COLDER MONTHS
Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, has highlighted the commencing of this year’s Winter Heating Payments to eligible households in the constituency as Scotland’s better alternative to the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment, which is only paid when temperatures are sufficiently low over a set period of time.
Payments of £55.05 are being issued from this week to low-income households, with most people receiving them before the end of January 2024. This will mean that eligible households, perhaps with young children, disabled people or older people, have greater stability this winter.
This follows the Scottish Government’s announcement of an additional £6.3 billion allocated to social security benefits and payments – over a billion more than 2022-23 – in the Scottish Budget.
Commenting, Tom Arthur said:
“I am pleased that the most vulnerable households in Renfrewshire South will see guaranteed support paid directly into their pockets over the winter months.
“With no bureaucratic application process or requirement that temperatures plummet, this SNP-led government is providing a safety net for those who need it, regardless of the weather, in recognition of the fact that all those who need support should receive it.
“This week the Scottish Government reaffirmed our commitment to a dignified, fair and respectful social security system, increasing the budget for social security payments by one billion pounds on last year alone.
“Under the SNP, those struggling in Renfrewshire South will always be supported as we work towards building a fairer, more equal Scotland.”