Scottish Labour Pushes for Expanded Winter Fuel Allowance
Scottish Labour is campaigning to expand eligibility for the winter fuel allowance in Scotland to strengthen its position before the Holyrood election. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent cuts may affect 770,000 Scottish pensioners and Labour's chances against the SNP in 2026. Labour leaders are considering extending the new pension-age winter heating payment to more pensioners.
Scottish Labour is campaigning to widen the winter fuel allowance's eligibility in Scotland as a strategy against political rivals ahead of the next Holyrood election.
From October next year, Scotland gains more control over benefits, including deciding which pensioners will receive the allowance.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to reduce eligibility may negatively impact Labour's chance to surpass the SNP in the 2026 elections.
Approximately 770,000 Scottish pensioners could be affected by the cuts.
Labour is considering extending the new Scottish benefit, the pension-age winter heating payment, to those on housing benefits and attendance allowance.
Party leaders, including Anas Sarwar and Ian Murray, have urged UK Labour to consider Scottish electoral impacts.
Despite previous poll gains, Scottish Labour is reportedly losing ground to the SNP.