LABOUR AUSTERITY CUTS HIT PENSIONERS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH & MUSSELBURGH

SNP URGE PENSIONERS TO CHECK PENSION CREDIT ELIGIBILITY
 
The Labour UK government’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment without any consultation will result in many pensioners across Midlothian North & Musselburgh left unable to access the equivalent support in Scotland.
 
The austerity driven decision by the Labour Party directly resulted in an estimated £160m of funding being wiped from the Scottish Government's budget – undermining the devolution settlement and leaving no choice but to replicate the policy in Scotland.
 
When the same measure was considered by the Tories last year, the Labour Party strongly opposed it saying “pensioners mustn’t be forced to bear the brunt of Tory economic failure” – yet now they are the ones imposing it on people in Scotland.
 
The UK already has one of the worst pension rates in North West Europe, lagging behind countries such as France and Spain and providing just enough for pensioners to break even when the cost of living is accounted for.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie is strongly encouraging people to check whether they are eligible for pension credits in order to ensure that they still have access to the Winter Fuel Payment.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“The decision by the Labour UK government to means test the Winter Fuel Payment ensures that pensioners in Midlothian North & Musselburgh will face the brunt of Westminster economic chaos.
 
“This decision, made in Westminster, has resulted in the Scottish Government’s budget being cut by an estimated £160m – as Labour picks up where the Tories left by driving a coach and horse through the devolution settlement.
 
“I am strongly encouraging pensioners in Midlothian North & Musselburgh to check if they are eligible for pension credit to ensure that if they are they will still receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment that they are entitled to.”
 
ENDS