Winter fuel payments are to be reintroduced for all pensioners in Scotland next year, the Scottish government has announced.
The new Holyrood benefit will not be ready until late 2025, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told parliament.
She said that every pensioner in the country would receive the new benefit – with those in receipt of qualifying benefits like Pension Credit getting £200 or £300 depending on their age, and wealthier pensioners getting £100.
The UK government scrapped universal entitlement to winter fuel payments – which are set at either £200 or £300 – earlier this year, with only those on Pension Credit or other benefits eligible.
The Scottish government, which was supposed to introduce a replacement universal benefit north of the border in April, said Labour’s decision meant it had no choice but to push its plans back until late 2025.
The change means an estimated 900,000 pensioners in Scotland are losing out on the payment this winter.
Somerville also announced an extra £20m in welfare funding for councils in this financial year, as well as an additional £20m for the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme.
There will also be £1m for social landlords and the third sector for homelessness prevention work.
She said: “This Scottish government is determined to stay true to our values.
“We will not abandon older people this winter or indeed any winter and we will continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour government.”
This article was originally published at www.bbc.com
