Scottish Government has launched a new consultation on the introduction of a new benefit to help older people with fuel costs, and are seeking people’s views.
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment aims to replace the UK Government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland, helping over a million people with heating costs in the winter. The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide an annual payment to households with pensions; Scottish Government intends that, when this Payment is introduced, it will have the same eligibility criteria and payment amounts as the Winter Fuel Payment (a “like-for-like” benefit).
The consultation states Scottish Government’s intention to deliver this new Payment on a “like-for-like” basis at a cost of around £180 million in winter 2024/25, which will be funded via the Block Grant Adjustment from the UK Government.
They are looking for people’s thoughts and views regarding who should be eligible, the timing and format of the payment and the likely impact of the benefit, as well as further evidence about issues specific to people who are off the gas grid.
The deadline for responses is Monday 15th January 2024.
To submit your response, or for further information, please visit the consultation page (linked for your convenience).
Alternatively, for further information, visit the Scottish Government news article.
