Scotland scraps common winter gas funds for pensioners

The Scottish authorities will not present winter gas funds to all pensioners, it has confirmed.

The profit will as an alternative be means examined, whereas the introduction of a alternative Scottish profit has been delayed.

Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville mentioned ministers had been left with “no choice” after the UK authorities introduced cuts south of the border.

It got here as Scotland’s finance secretary put the brakes on spending to assist fund public sector pay offers.

Shona Robison has written to cupboard colleagues advising of stricter guidelines on discretionary spending.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced final month that these not on pension credit score or different means-tested advantages in England and Wales would not get annual winter gas funds, price between £100 and £300.

Ms Somerville mentioned the UK authorities choice led to a £160m reduce in Scottish funding and that they’ve been left with “no choice” however to observe Westminster.

She added that the Scottish authorities was in “the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution.”

The Scottish authorities spending measures launched by Ms Robison imply departmental plans can be topic to higher scrutiny and in some circumstances could must be signed off by the primary minister.

Some initiatives slated to start out however not but underway may be reduce – with particulars because of be introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

The improvement got here as Gers figures revealed Scotland’s public spending deficit elevated by £3.6bn to £22.7bn in 2023-24 because of decrease oil and fuel revenues.

Ms Robison is known to be involved concerning the influence of a monetary audit introduced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The Scottish authorities doesn’t know the way a lot cash it’ll have for the present monetary 12 months till additional readability comes from the Treasury.

SNP ministers just lately supplied extra funds to Cosla to assist avert bin strikes. First Minister John Swinney mentioned funding the brand new provide would imply powerful decisions forward for the federal government.

It comes as NHS workers in Scotland are anticipated to push for a pay rise in keeping with will increase south of the border.