Labour pledge winter fuel payment ahead of Holyrood elections

A Scottish Labour government would put in place a means-tested winter fuel payment equivalent north of the border if it is elected in 2026.
The UK Government drew ire from across the political spectrum in the summer after announcing the benefit would only be available to those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits, just weeks after taking office.
The decision led to the Scottish Government scrapping plans to create a devolved equivalent of the payment after funding was cut.
Scottish Labour appeared uncomfortable with the position, with leader Anas Sarwar urging Scottish ministers to go ahead with a means-tested benefit.