AROUND 10,900 HOUSEHOLDS IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN SET TO RECEIVE NEW WINTER HEATING PAYMENT

Around 5,100 households in Midlothian and 5,800 households in East Lothian are set to receive the new Scottish Government Winter Heating Payment. 
  
SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has welcomed the support as it replaces the old Cold Weather Payment from the UK government which relied on the temperature dropping to a certain level before payments were triggered. 
  
The Scottish Government’s Winter Heating Payment will pay a flat-rate of £50 in February, no matter the temperature, to people on low-incomes who qualify. 
  
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
  
“The Winter Heating Payment will be the 13th social security benefit set up by the Scottish Government and demonstrates what we can do with limited powers to build a fairer, more equal Scotland. 
  
“It is a welcome step that the new payment will move away from the UK government’s system of issuing support when the temperature drops to a certain level. This will provide a reliable payment for households every winter. 
  
“The new payment is another social security payment that is unique to Scotland and builds on support already available through game-changing benefits such as the Scottish Child Payment – the only payment of its kind in Britain. 
  
“However, the Scottish Government continues to act with one hand tied behind its back by a callous and uncaring UK government. 
  
“That is why it is only with the full powers of independence can we truly provide a system that works for the people of Scotland, not against them.”