Politics: Scrapping winter fuel payments for pensioners is betrayal of trust

It is on all of us to prioritise the well-being of our older population, writes Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam.

It's not just about politics, it's about ensuring that those who have contributed so much to society are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

It was only a couple of weeks ago I spoke about the need to support our older population, however, I’ve found myself compelled to revisit this issue and continue the campaign, particularly in light of the appalling developments from Westminster.

The newly installed Labour government has taken a drastic step that I, along with many others, find utterly unacceptable - scrapping winter fuel payments for elderly citizens not receiving Pension Credit.

This is more than a policy change, it’s a betrayal of the trust that the elderly and their loved ones have placed in their leaders.

It’s a stark reminder that, despite the promises made, the legacy of Tory austerity and the use of it is still very much on the agenda regardless of which government rules, and our elderly are bearing the brunt of it.

The Labour government’s decision to scrap winter fuel payments for those not on Pension Credit is part of a disturbing trend of imposing austerity measures that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our society.

Just recently, they voted against removing the two-child benefit cap, another policy that has caused significant hardship for families across the country.

These decisions reflect a harsh reality, despite the change in leadership, the approach remains one of cutting costs at the expense of those who can least afford it.

For years, Pension Credit has been a lifeline for many elderly adults, providing a financial top-up to those on the lowest incomes.

Yet, despite its importance, there remains a significant gap in the number of eligible pensioners who actually claim it.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that in the financial year 2021/22, a staggering £1.7 billion of Pension Credit went unclaimed by up to one million pensioner households.

In our own communities, the figures are no less shocking with Aberdeenshire alone having £4,756,241 unclaimed, and Moray having £631,938. These are not just numbers, they represent real people in our communities who are missing out on support that could make a substantial difference to their quality of life.

The fact that these funds are going unclaimed is deeply concerning, especially when we consider the additional pressures many are now facing due to the cost of living.

Pensioners who have worked hard their entire lives should not have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Yet, with the withdrawal of the winter fuel payments, this is precisely the dilemma many will face.

It's not enough to simply acknowledge these problems, we must take active steps to address them. First and foremost, it’s essential to raise awareness about Pension Credit.

Many older people are either unaware of their eligibility or are unsure about how to apply. Others may be deterred by the complexity of the application process or feel a sense of pride that prevents them from seeking help. This is where we, as a community, must step in.

I am astounded by how quickly Labour has turned on the very people they claimed to champion. The elderly, who have spent their lives building and contributing to this country, are now being told that even their basic need for warmth is not worth investing in.

Those who don’t qualify for pension credit, who are just above the threshold will suffer.

I want to make it clear that my office is here to help. Whether you are of pension age or know someone who is, we are ready to assist with the application process or simply to check eligibility.

No one should feel alone or unsupported in navigating what can be a daunting system. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a necessary step in ensuring that you receive what you are rightfully entitled to after many years of contributing to society.