Scottish First Minister John Swinney has assured pensioners that no one in Scotland will receive less in winter fuel payments than their counterparts in the rest of the UK. This announcement follows UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ reversal on a controversial decision to cut universal winter fuel payments. Under the revised UK scheme, households in England and Wales with an income under £35,000 will receive £200 for pensioners under 80 and £300 for those over 80, while higher earners will see the money reclaimed through taxes.

The Scottish government, which plans to launch its own winter fuel payment scheme by late 2025, had initially promised a minimum of £100 for every household with someone over the state pension age. Those on Pension Credit would receive up to £305 based on age. Swinney confirmed that the Scottish scheme will at least match the UK model and introduced an “opt-out” option allowing better-off pensioners to return the payment or donate it to charity.

In a broader speech on public service reform delivered in Glasgow, Swinney emphasized the urgent need for “fundamental change” in the delivery of services, acknowledging mounting pressure on Scotland’s public sector. He called for a shift toward prevention and early intervention, promising more investment in technology and AI. Ministers Ivan McKee and Richard Lochhead will lead the government’s national renewal initiative.

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