A PROTEST is set to take place outside Holyrood calling for pensioners to have more help heating their homes this winter.
Unite the union has said the latest steps from SNP ministers to reinstate a Winter Fuel Payment from 2025/2026 does not go far enough.
Last week, the Scottish Government announced every pensioner in Scotland would receive a winter heating payment of at least £100 from next winter.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said those in receipt of pension credits or other benefits would receive £200 or £300.
Scottish ministers were forced to delay plans to bring in the devolved pension age winter heating payment this year when the universality of its UK-wide counterpart was cut.
Later on Tuesday – just one day before Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivers the Budget – Scottish Labour will table amendments to a bill which would expand winter heating payments under the devolved system.
The amendments, during Stage 3 of the Social Security (Scotland) Bill, would also include a tapering provision so money can be recovered from those on higher incomes.
‘The UK Government has picked pensioners’ pockets’
Ahead of the demonstration at Holyrood on Tuesday, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (below) said: “Scottish pensioners are facing winter right now. They must not be left to freeze just because the UK Government has picked their pockets.
“The Scottish Government and Scottish Labour have been listening and we welcome steps to restore the cuts next year, but jam tomorrow won’t keep pensioners’ homes warm this winter.
“Unite’s campaign has now seen some positive moves in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, but that is not enough.
“We will not stop until the Winter Fuel Payment is restored across the UK.”
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
