Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP URGES RESIDENTS TO SHAPE DELIVERY OF WINTER PAYMENT

Richard Lochhead MSP has urged residents in Moray to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.  

From winter 2024, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will be an annual payment, will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government are consulting people across Moray and Scotland to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid. The consultation closes on January 15th 2024.

Moray’s SNP MSP is urging constituents to complete the consultation to ensure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs. 

Commenting, Mr Lochhead said: 

“The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including thousands in Moray.

“The SNP Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known as to how this payment can best be delivered and how those living off the gas grid can best be supported.

“Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established. 

"Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million people as the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.”