New Bill fuels worries over means tests

Labour and SNP row over winter payment

FEARS have been raised that means testing of the winter fuel allowance could be introduced by the back door.

The Scottish Parliament takes control of the lifeline payment in 2019 and all of the main parties, including the SNP, ruled out means testing at the last General Election.

But MSPs need to pass a new Social Security Bill to allow a Scottish welfare agency to be created to take control of 11 new devolved benefits.

Holyrood’s independent research unit has revealed the new Bill allows for future administrations to introduce eligibility criteria for the winter fuel allowance if they wished to do so.

Pensioners south of the Border had been facing means testing until the Tories canned the idea after failing to win a majority at the General Election.

Labour last night called for the Scottish Government to “be honest” with voters, but the SNP hit back, confirming it wouldn’t introduce means testing and accusing its opponents of trying “to frighten older people across Scotland”.

The Sunday Post asked the Scottish Government why it had not ruled out means testing in the wording of the new Bill, but this question was not answered.

Labour’s social security spokesman Mark Griffin said: “Scotland has massive new powers over social security, and will have an opportunity to shape a welfare state that, like the NHS, is there for us when we need it. The winter fuel allowance, introduced by Labour, has helped millions of pensioners across the UK.

“People think if they have paid into the system they deserve something back. Instead, the SNP Government has drafted legislation to set up a social security agency that leaves the door open for means testing.

“If that is the plan – and we know the last SNP government had considered it – then the SNP needs to be honest with voters.”

The winter fuel allowance, of up to £300, is available to everyone aged over 62 and is paid to about 1.1 million people in Scotland each year.

The power is one of 11 benefits being transferred through the Scotland Act, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and discretionary housing payments.

Two years ago the SNP administration floated the idea of means testing in a public consultation. Its Fuel Poverty Strategic Working Group has also previously backed a review of the pros and cons of eligibility changes.

Last night, a spokeswoman for social security minister Jeane Freeman said: “Our manifesto could not have been clearer that we will protect the winter fuel payment – and, unlike Labour, we are actually planning to extend the eligibility to families with severely disabled children.

“Labour has a long and shameful history when it comes to peddling false claims about social security – and it is deeply irresponsible for them to frighten older people across Scotland with ridiculous statements such as this.

“The SNP led the campaign in the recent general election to stop the Tories cutting the winter fuel payment, while Labour sat on their hands.

“And while the Tories have been decimating the welfare system in this country, at every turn Labour look for some way to defend them and let Westminster off the hook.”