An Ayrshire MSP has hit out at the Labour Government's decision to means test Winter Fuel Payments.
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley representative Elena Whitham said the decision left the Scottish Government with no choice but to follow suite, due to an apparent £160m of funding being cut.
The decision follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves restricting the annual payment to those on pension credit or certain other benefits as part of her plan to tackle a £22 billion black hole.
Ms Whitham says that this decision will result in many pensioners across Ayrshire left unable to access the equivalent support in Scotland.
Winter Fuel Payments were devolved following the Smith Commission, with the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) due to be paid out for the first time later this year.
Initially, the plan was to keep it like-for-like, with all those above state pension age eligible for a single annual payment of between £100 and £300 for individuals.
However, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed that the PAWHP would now be deferred to 2025/26.
She said means-testing the benefit would see around 900,000 lose out, with just 130,000 receiving the payment.
SNP MSP Ms Whitham said: “The decision by the Labour UK government to means test the Winter Fuel Payment ensures that pensioners in Ayrshire will face the brunt of Westminster economic chaos.
“This decision, made in Westminster, has resulted in the Scottish Government’s budget being cut by an estimated £160m – as Labour picks up where the Tories left by driving a coach and horse through the devolution settlement.
“I am strongly encouraging pensioners to check if they are eligible for pension credit to ensure that if they are they will still receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment that they are entitled to.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “The £22 billion black hole in the public finances the UK Government inherited from the previous administration has required us to take difficult decisions.
"We are working closely with the Scottish Government to make this as smooth a transition as possible, and more importantly ensure eligible pensioners continue to receive support.
“The UK Government has protected the poorest pensioners by ensuring people on pension credit or certain other income-related benefits will continue to receive the payment.”
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