The Scottish Government has said that the Westminster move will cause funding cut of up to £160 million.
The Winter Fuel Payment will no longer be paid to all Scots and will instead become means tested, it was confirmed today.SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said this means there is no alternative but to copy the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.
Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits. Reeves revealed there was a £22 billion gap in UK Government spending plans when she announced the Winter Fuel Payment would not go to all older people.
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