TORY/LIBDEM GOVT MUST COME CLEAN ON WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

For Immediate Release - Wednesday 22nd December 2010



Attn: NEWS DESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Lothians SNP MSP Dr Ian McKee has questioned the Tory/LibDem government’s commitment to keeping the winter fuel allowance a universal benefit for everyone over 60 after Vince Cable yesterday admitted that it might be slashed. This is despite a pre-election pledge to keep the winter fuel benefit universal for future years.


In his spending review George Osborne said that the 'winter fuel payments will remain exactly as budgeted for by the previous government'. But Labour put aside only £2.1 billion for the winter fuel payment next year, £600 million less than the amount required to pay the full benefit. The current payments include a £50 bonus for those under 80 (£100 for those above 80) which has not been funded in current Government plans.

Commenting Dr McKee said:


“Vince Cable’s comments have left many pensioners anxious about paying for their energy bills. I’ve already had constituents on the phone worried that their winter fuel allowance might be scrapped.

“Such speculation by one of the highest figures of the Westminster government is bound to cause confusion. The Chancellor should clarify the matter and reassure people that their winter allowance is not under threat.

“So far this has been one of the coldest winters on record and elderly people rely on the allowance to pay for extra heating to keep themselves warm.


“If cold winters are to become more frequent the UK Government must make a solid commitment to keep providing the allowance in years to come.


“The Scottish Government on the other hand has extended the hours of its Home Energy Helpline which supports people concerned about keeping their home warm – I encourage anyone worried about tackling fuel poverty to phone the Scottish Government’s free helpline.”

ENDS


Notes:

1. Anyone aged 60 to 79 and who lives alone, or is the only person in the house that qualifies, gets £250. Those living alone aged 80 or over on September 27 get £400. If you are 60 to 79 and live with another qualifying individual, you get £125 each. If one of you is 80 or more, they receive £275. If there are two of you aged 80 or over you each get £200.


2. The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Helpline 0800 512 012.