UK and Scotland Align Winter Fuel Payments

The UK Labour government has reinstated winter fuel payments for pensioners with incomes under £35,000 after public and political pressure, affecting around nine million older people in England and Wales. The reversal comes amid rising concern about pensioner poverty, with research showing significant public support for increased assistance as almost two million older people live in poverty. In response, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney confirmed that no Scottish pensioner will receive less than those in England and Wales, aligning Scotland's scheme with the UK. Under the new arrangements, pensioners aged 66-79 receive £200, those 80 and over get £300, with variations based on benefits and the option for higher earners to return payments if unnecessary. Both governments have emphasized that these measures are immediate relief but not a permanent fix for pensioner poverty. Calls continue for more comprehensive, long-term policies to ensure financial security for older people.