Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said:
“We are concerned that the UK Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales to older people on Pension Credit could hugely impact older people living on a low income across Scotland.
“In a compassionate and just society, no one should have to worry about not being able to turn the heating on. But the reality for many older people in Scotland is far from this. An unacceptably high one in three pensioner households live in fuel poverty. That fact many older people are facing winter in the cold in Scotland and across the UK - the 6th richest country in the world - is a social injustice.
“The UK Government’s policy change will mean those in England and Wales who are eligible for Pension Credit, but who do not receive it, will lose out on this lifeline in the winters to come. As will those whose income is as little as a pound over the cut off for Pension Credit. The potential impact of removing the equivalent payment in Scotland could be severe.
“In addition to having a detrimental personal impact on someone’s mental and physical health, this policy decision also risks significant cost implications. Evidence shows that cutting the incomes of older people struggling to make ends meet inevitably puts further strain and costs on the NHS and social care system as more people are unable to heat their homes, afford basic provisions or live well.
“During winter last year, when polled, half of older people on a low income in Scotland disagreed with the statement “I am able to keep my home warm in the winter”. Rather than leaving older people in poverty out in the cold, we believe the UK Government should not make this policy change now. Instead, they should work with others to ensure older people living on low incomes receive the income they need. Both by establishing the income level required to avoid poverty in later life and urgently boosting the take up of Pension Credit, and other income related social security payments.
“Currently, 150,000 pensioners in Scotland live in poverty. Yet we know that around 100,000 older people are missing out on Pension Credit they are entitled to every day in Scotland, worth a combined £189 million a year. It has never been more important to ensure that everyone eligible for Pension Credit receives it.
“There are also steps the Scottish Government can take to reduce pensioner poverty, by using devolved powers to tackle the issue as much as possible. A good place to start would be the Scottish Government committing to introducing a pensioner poverty plan in their upcoming Programme for Government.
“It’s vital that both Governments work together to ensure that older people in Scotland are not left in the cold this Winter.”