Scotland 'followed UK lead in winter fuel payment axe'

SCOTTISH ministers axed the winter fuel payment as a "direct consequence" of the UK Government's decision to scrap it, a court heard. Pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, have brought the Scottish challenge over the removal of the lifeline.

- By Steph Spyro Deputy Political Editor

They are trying to reverse Chancellor Rachel Reeves's decision to scrap the universality of the payment.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh was told yesterday that the Unite union has launched similar action in England.

Documents

Attorney General Andrew Webster KC represented the UK Government, known as the first respondent, while James Mure KC represented the Scottish Government, known as the second respondent.