SCOTLAND must replicate Northern Ireland’s bid to mitigate Labour’s cut to pensioner’s winter support payments, a union has demanded.
The Northern Ireland Executive has set out plans for a temporary scheme, reportedly worth £17 million, to pay cash to those stripped of their Winter Fuel Payment.
Unite, which has been calling on the devolved governments to mitigate the cut while preparing a legal challenge against the UK Government, said Wales and Scotland now must follow Northern Ireland’s lead.
Stormont’s scheme does not replace the Winter Fuel Payment for those no longer eligible, which would have cost £44m, and Unite estimated that pensioners may get around £80 each to help with their heating bills.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham (above) said: “This is a first step in moving away from this cruel policy. The Northern Ireland executive has listened and responded to Unite’s campaign. While it doesn’t fully restore winter fuel payments it will provide some much-needed respite to pensioners this winter.
“It is now imperative that the other devolved nations follow suit and take action to reverse the UK government’s cut for their pensioners.
“The winter fuel cut was a grave mistake which exposes vulnerable people to unnecessary risks as the cold weather approaches. The UK Government must change course on this and acknowledge that picking the pockets of pensioners is wrong.”
The SNP, who are in the process of setting their budget and negotiating with other parties to help it pass through Holyrood, have previously indicated they are open to mitigating the policy.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee told the BBC earlier this month the Scottish Government was “considering” whether it could reverse the cut as a result of increased funding from Westminster.
The Scottish Government was approached for comment.
