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Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners in Scotland to get winter heating payment of up to £305 by specific date this year
Over one million people over State Pension age will receive a minimum of £100 from the Scottish Government. Sir Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday that he wants 'more pensioners' to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, the Prime Minister gave no indication on how this would happen - a change to eligibility, an increased income threshold for Pension Credit, means-testing individuals rather than households - we simply don't know yet. But we do know that all 1.1 million State Pensioners living in Scotland will receive between £100 and £305 this year through the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment north of the border. First Minister John Swinney told the Daily Record earlier this week that payments will arrive by St Andrew's Day, on November 30. This means that every person over State Pension age with a Scottish postcode will receive a one-off heating payment of at least £100 this winter - even if they are not in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit. The Scottish Government has also increased the benefit by 1.7 per cent, as part of the annual uprating exercise. This means that older people on a qualifying income-related benefit aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40 (lower rate), while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10 (higher rate). Winter Fuel Payments for 2025/26 have not yet been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but are expected to remain at current levels of £200 and £300, the amount following the same age guidance as PAWHP. Full details about PAWHP can be found on here, just be aware the information on the Scottish Government website has not been updated yet for the 2025/26 financial year. The DWP estimates that 760,000 people across Great Britain are entitled to Pension Credit, but not claiming it. But the good news is there is plenty of time to put in a new claim to boost the amount of PAWHP or Winter Fuel Payment you receive later this year. The qualifying period for both payments will be the third week in September (possibly 15-21, 2025) and with DWP taking on average 50 working days to process new claims, an application submitted by mid-July which later turns out to be successful, will be entitled to the heating bill help. It's important to note that clams made up until the end of the qualifying week in September, which later turn out to be successful, will also be due the payment but it may arrive later than the planned delivery schedule. The date in July should ensure there's no waiting on a backdated payment. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support, including the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment. Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday - phone lines will be closed on Monday May 26 for the bank holiday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could get. Pension Credit in a nutshell Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits. The benefit tops up income to a minimum of £227.10 per week for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples - more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Winter Fuel Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New calls to give Winter Fuel Payments to millions of people on Basic State Pension
Nearly nine million people are in receipt of the Basic State Pension. A new online petition is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reinstate the annual Winter Fuel Payment to every older person on the Basic State Pension. There are currently 13million people of State Pension age across the UK, inducing nearly 9million who became eligible for the contributory benefit before April 6, 2016. In the 'reinstate the Winter Fuel Allowance for those who are paid the old State Pension' petition, campaigner Barry Stevens argues that the annual increase to the New and Basic State Pension only 'widens' the divide between the payments. Mr Stevens said: 'Those in receipt of the old State Pension who do not qualify for state benefits are increasingly disadvantaged year on year. We believe the Government should restore the Winter Fuel Allowance to those pensioners involved to remedy the unfairness.' Someone on the full New State Pension now receives £230.25 per week while someone on the full Basic State Pension receives £176.45. The petition has been posted on the Petitions Parliament website. At 10,000 signatures, it will be entitled to a written response from the UK Government. At 100,000 signatures, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate by MPs in Parliament. The Scottish Government will introduce a universal Winter Fuel Payment for more than one million pensioners through the new, devolved Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) this year. This means that every person over State Pension age living in Scotland will receive a one-off heating payment of at least £100 next winter - even if they are not in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit. The Scottish Government has also announced that the annual uprating of benefits for the 2025/26 financial year will be applied to PAWHP. This means older people on a qualifying income-related benefit aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40 (lower rate), while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10 (higher rate). Winter Fuel Payments for 2025/26 have not yet been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but are expected to remain at current levels of £200 and £300, the amount following the same age guidance as PAWHP. Full details about PAWHP can be found on here, just be aware the information on the Scottish Government website has not been updated yet for the 2025/26 financial year. The DWP estimates around 760,000 people across Great Britain are entitled to Pension Credit, yet not claiming it. The good news is there is plenty of time to put in a new claim to boost the amount of PAWHP or Winter Fuel Payment you receive later this year. The qualifying period for both payments will be the third week in September (15-21, 2025) and with DWP taking on average 50 working days to process new claims, an application submitted by mid-July which later turns out to be successful, will be entitled to the heating bill help. It's important to note that clams made up until the end of the qualifying week in September, which later turn out to be successful, will also be due the payment but it may arrive later than the planned delivery schedule. The date in July should ensure there's no waiting on a backdated payment. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support, including the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment or the Winter Fuel Payment. Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could get. Pension Credit in a nutshell Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits. The benefit tops up income to a minimum of £227.10 per week for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples - more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Winter Fuel Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Sky News
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Decision to cut winter fuel payment complied with Equality Act, court told
A decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners complied with the Equality Act 2010, the Attorney General has told a court. Pensioners Peter and Florence Fanning are taking legal action against the decision to remove the universal element of the benefit. The change was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last July, which later led to the Scottish government following suit. Mr and Mrs Fanning, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, are arguing both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. The Court of Session in Edinburgh is being asked to rule on whether the decision was unlawful. Documents used in the run-up to the decision were read to the court by Attorney General Andrew Webster KC, acting for the UK government, known as the first respondent. The Scottish government, known as the second respondent, is represented by James Mure KC while Mr and Mrs Fanning, known as the petitioners, are represented by Joanna Cherry KC. On Thursday, former SNP MP Ms Cherry said the decision to cut the payment had been "unlawful" on the grounds the UK and Scottish governments had failed in their duties to properly assess the impact, and that there had been an "abject failure" to carry out an equality impact assessment, as well as a failure to consult people of pension age who would be affected by the change. However, Mr Webster said on Friday "the reasons why the petitioners do not get pension age winter heating payment (PAWHP) is because they are just below the threshold" for the devolved Scottish benefit. He added there is "no general common law duty to consult residents who may be affected by such a law". Mr Webster said: "At all stages, pensioner poverty and the effect of pensioner poverty was being considered, and effects to mitigate were being put forward - what can be done to encourage take-up, to encourage those who aren't claiming but who are entitled to get the benefit of winter fuel payment." He said that as of April 2024, the Fannings would not have been entitled to a benefit from the UK government, due to devolution, and said the Court of Session did not have "jurisdiction" to decide if laws made in England and Wales were unlawful. 7:37 Mr Webster said a deliverability assessment on 20 July "identified that the policy will have a higher proportion on couples; older pensioners will be less affected". He claimed it had been "done with rigour", adding: "Clearly considerations and possibility have been put forward and adopted, it is structured, it has looked at the details. "It has been recorded, so it can be seen." Mr Webster cited "engagement with Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau", and said documents looked at "the impact of pensioners in poverty" and those just above the threshold who would experience "cash loss". In his submission, Mr Webster argued the Equality Act had been "complied with". The Scottish government learnt of the chancellor's announcement 90 minutes before a statement in the House of Commons, the court heard later. Mr Mure said it was "out of the blue", and PAWHP was the "largest of devolved social security benefits" due to be delivered by government agency Social Security Scotland following a consultation which began in October 2023, and it was intended as a universal benefit. The court heard "the aims hadn't changed, albeit the Scottish government had changed eligibility on grounds of affordability" as "universality was simply not affordable" due to budget cuts of £147m. The case, in front of Judge Lady Hood, was adjourned to a future date.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Decision to cut winter fuel payment ‘complied with Equality Act', court told
A decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners complied with the Equality Act 2010, the Attorney General has told a court. The Court of Session in Edinburgh is hearing a legal challenge brought by pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, against last year's decision to remove the universal element of the payment. The change was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on July 29 and documents used in the run-up to the decision were read to the Court of Session by Attorney General Andrew Webster KC, acting for the UK Government, known as the first respondent. The Scottish Government, known as the second respondent, is represented by James Mure KC while Mr and Mrs Fanning, known as the petitioners, are represented by Joanna Cherry KC. On Friday morning, Ms Cherry said that documents had been provided late to the court by a senior civil servant for the UK Government, regarding the decision. On Thursday, Ms Cherry said the decision to cut the payment had been 'unlawful' on the grounds the UK and Scottish governments had failed in their duties to properly assess the impact, and that there had been an 'abject failure' to carry out an equality impact assessment, as well as a failure to consult people of pension age who would be affected by the change. However, Mr Webster said on Friday 'the reasons why the petitioners do not get pension age winter heating payment (PAWHP) is because they are just below the threshold' for the devolved Scottish benefit. He said there is 'no general common law duty to consult residents who may be affected by such a law', the court heard. Mr Webster said: 'At all stages, pensioner poverty and the effect of pensioner poverty was being considered, and effects to mitigate were being put forward – what can be done to encourage take-up; to encourage those who aren't claiming but who are entitled to get the benefit of winter fuel payment.' He told the court that as of April 1 2024, the Fannings would not have been entitled to a benefit from the UK Government, due to devolution, and said the Court of Session did not have 'jurisdiction' to decide if laws made in England and Wales were unlawful. Mr Webster said a deliverability assessment on July 20 'identified that the policy will have a higher proportion on couples; older pensioners will be less affected', the court heard. He said: 'I say it's been done with rigour; with an open mind, clearly considerations and possibility have been put forward and adopted, it is structured; it has looked at the details. It has been recorded, so it can be seen. 'One might identify 'what if' – what about pensioners in this circumstance? If that is the approach to be adopted by those doing equalities duties, they will be engaged in the internal quest.' Mr Webster cited 'engagement with Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau', and said documents looked at 'the impact of pensioners in poverty' and those just above the threshold who would experience 'cash loss', the court heard. He added: 'The Secretary of State makes a decision on background of being advised; here's the Secretary of State being engaged before implementing the policy by putting forward regulations, regarding minimising equality issues; looking at details, a record of a robust and focused assessment. 'In my submission, the Equality Act has been complied with.' Mr Webster said: 'It's nonsense to suggest that a Scottish court can declare law in England and Wales to be unlawful.' He said equivalent proceedings in England 'have a greater position than the petitioners here do. The court has the potential power to step in'. The Attorney General said the Secretary of State 'has no way of anticipating what second respondent will do in response to proposals which relate to England and Wales only', and told the court he had 'described it as crystal ball gazing'. Mr Webster said: 'It's what the second respondent will do which has an impact for the petitioners. 'Why would the Secretary of State consult with petitioners, they're not entitled to the benefit.' Citing the Human Rights Act, Mr Webster said: 'In my submission, neither petitioners are the victim of an act. The decision of the Secretary of State and the policy decision regarding winter fuel payment does not affect them.' The Scottish Government learnt of the Chancellor's announcement 90 minutes before a statement in the House of Commons, the court heard later. Mr Mure said the announcement was 'out of the blue', and PAWHP was the 'largest of devolved social security benefits' due to be delivered by Government agency Social Security Scotland following a consultation which began in October 2023, and it was intended as a universal benefit. The court heard 'the aims hadn't changed, albeit the Scottish Government had changed eligibility in grounds of affordability' as 'universality was simply not affordable' due to budget cuts of £147 million. Mr Mure said: 'It is a fact there was no consultation or discussion with the Scottish Government in advance. About 90 minutes before the announcement was made there was a call to Cabinet Secretary. He added: 'We have seen that Scottish ministers were very open that deliverability depended on affordability, but affordability was the problem. Any delay in that decision would have put into question the whole delivery of the benefit in any form in time for winter of 2024.' The hearing continues in front of Judge Lady Hood.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Couple challenge winter fuel payment cut in court
A couple are due to begin their legal challenge against UK and Scottish government decisions to cut winter fuel payments. Peter and Flo Fanning, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, allege both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. They also claim the decision to end the £300 benefit for thousands of pensioners across the country last year was "irrational" and breached their human rights. Both governments said they were supporting pensioners, but declined to comment the Fanning's case. The couple want the Court of Session in Edinburgh to set aside the policy and restore the payment as part of a judicial review. Mr Fanning, 73, receives a state pension and work pension, while Mrs Fanning, 72, receives the state pension. They do not meet the criteria to qualify for pension credit and decided to take action in a bid to see the benefit restored for all pensioners. Mr Fanning said he was going to court to "give a voice" to other pensioners. He said the idea for the legal challenge had come about following a discussion with his friends in the pub. The late former first minister and leader of the Alba Party Alex Salmond took up the campaign. They are also being supported by the Govan Law Centre. Couple's bid to sue governments over winter fuel payment Couple given go-ahead to sue governments over winter fuel payment Mr Fanning, who is a member of the Alba party, said the speed of the decision meant it was rolled out "without much warning". He told BBC Scotland News: "It's not about politics it's about the people who don't have that voice. "Pensioners tend to plan. "Your benefit changes in April so in April you're looking at the year-round. "Christmas? How do I support my family? How do I do birthdays? Am I going to get a holiday this year? "Because it's like a kind of a triple whammy; the cost of the electricity and gas, the cost the petrol is up as well therefore the delivery of any food that you eat is up." About 10 million pensioners in England and Wales lost their allowance under new measures announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in July last year. Those on pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits retained the annual payments, worth between £100 and £300. In Scotland, the payment was devolved to Holyrood in April 2024, but the Scottish government followed the actions of their counterparts in Westminster in terminating it in August 2024, arguing £160m had been taken from its budget. A new alternative, called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), was due to be introduced the following month, but that has since been pushed back to winter 2025. It will also be means-tested, despite ministers claiming it would not be. Meanwhile, the devolved government in Northern Ireland also followed suit, but affected pensioners were given a one-off £100 payment from Stormont in November. Mrs Fanning said she had altered the way she used energy at home in the wake of the decision. She said the couple's gas bill had doubled in the past two years, while their electricity bill had also near-doubled from £60 to £110 per month. Mrs Fanning said they only ran their central heating for about an hour a day. She added: "We got a new cooker about five or six months ago and what I noticed was the oven runs away with an awful lot of electricity. "So what we do now we tend not to use the cooker as much. Now we're using the air fryer." Mr Fanning suffers from health issues and said he was "frightened" to put the central heating on due to increased costs. He said: "It would be nice to be able to get up in the morning and not worry about if I put the heating on it's going to cost me X amount. "Because like everybody else I live from one pension to another. " A judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body. In other words, they are a challenge to the way in which a decision has been made, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion reached. In this case the Fannings argue both the UK and Scottish governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. Lawyers for the couple also say the decision to remove the allowance was irrational and breaches articles two and eight of the European Convention on Human Rights. The benefit was paid through the UK government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A spokesman for the DWP said other payments had been rolled out for some pensioners. "We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock," he said. "Many others will continue to benefit from the warm home discount and we have extended the household support fund to help with the cost of heating, food and bills. "And last year Energy UK, in collaboration with the government, published a winter 2024 commitment which promised £500m of industry support to billpayers this winter." A Scottish government spokeswoman said PAWHP would provide "universal support" to all pensioner households next winter. She added: "Households not in receipt of a relevant benefit will receive £100, with those on a relevant low-income benefit will get £203.40 or £305.10, depending on their age." The spokeswoman said winter heating payments worth £58.75 were now being issued to those on low incomes and are only available in Scotland. And, as of 28 February, she said more than 456,000 winter heating payments had been made. The government also said funding for its national fuel poverty scheme - Warmer Homes Scotland - had been increased by £20m. Winter fuel payments scrapped for millions Scotland scraps universal winter fuel payments for pensioners
