THOUSANDS IN AYRSHIRE BENEFIT FROM WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS OVER CHRISTMAS
SNP MSP PRAISES NEWLY DEVOLVED WINTER WELFARE POLICY
This year, 63150 people across Ayrshire have benefitted from Winter Fuel Payments, with some off-grid households – who face the highest heating costs in the country – benefitting from early payments.
Under the SNP, over one million people have received a winter fuel allowance as part of the new Social Security system in Scotland – which is worth a total of £3.3 billion.
A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment paid to older people during the winter months, as well as those on a variety of qualifying benefits.
While the Tories at Westminster recently planned to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for those living in England and Wales, the SNP has remained committed to delivering this important payment in Scotland.
Ruth Maguire, SNP MSP for Cunninghame South, said:
“I am delighted to hear that many of my constituents are benefitting from generous winter fuel payments.
“With new powers over social security, the SNP is fighting for older people in Scotland and we’re committed to protecting the winter fuel allowance from Tory cuts.
“Everyone should be able to heat their home, and keep themselves and their family warm over the festive period.
“By maintaining the winter fuel allowance, the SNP is committed to a society in which everybody is treated with dignity and respect – sadly not the concern of the Tories at Westminster.”
Ruth Maguire MSP 