FUEL PAYMENT HUMILIATION AS SWINNEY MAKES U-TURN

Victory for Express in fight to ensure Scots pensioners get full winter cash

- David Walker

THE First Minister has been forced into yet another "humiliating u-turn" after confirming Scots pensioners will receive the full winter fuel payment days just after the Scottish Daily Express demanded he do so.

John Swinney finally decided to mirror the UK Government's policy despite blaming Whitehall for the discrepancy. But critics have since rounded on him, describing his claims as "transparent".

Mr Swinney confirmed that he would be changing the winter fuel payment to ensure that Scots pensioners would not be receiving less money than their English counterparts.

It had been feared that some OAPS north of the border would miss out on up to £200 less in fuel payments.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plan meant every household in England and Wales with a person over the state pension age and an income of up to £35,000 will receive £200 for those aged up to 80 and £300 for those aged over 80.

However, previous SNP proposals would have seen all households with a person over state pension age receive an automatic £100 payment.

But that is now set to increase to £203 for those under the age of 80 on pension credits and to £305 for those older than 80.

Last night, one leading charity reiterated its plea to Mr Swinney to ensure that "every penny" of the financial windfall is used to help the elderly.

Adam Stachura from from Age Scotland, said: "This is welcome news from the First Minister and will reassure pensioners on low and modest incomes that they will be better able to manage their huge winter energy bills.