Around 30,000 households in North Lanarkshire are set to receive the new Scottish Government Winter Heating Payment.
SNP MSP, Fulton MacGregor, for Coatbridge & Chryston has welcomed the support as it replaces the old Cold Weather Payment from the UK government which relied on the temperature dropping to a certain level before payments were triggered.
The Scottish Government’s Winter Heating Payment will pay a flat-rate of £50 in February, no matter the temperature, to people on low-incomes who qualify.
Commenting, SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:
“The Winter Heating Payment will be the 13th social security benefit set up by the Scottish Government and demonstrates what we can do with limited powers to build a fairer, more equal Scotland.
“It is a welcome step that the new payment will move away from the UK government’s system of issuing support when the temperature drops to a certain level. This will provide a reliable payment for households every winter.
“The new payment is another social security payment that is unique to Scotland and builds on support already available through game-changing benefits such as the Scottish Child Payment – the only payment of its kind in Britain.
“However, the Scottish Government continues to act with one hand tied behind its back by a callous and uncaring UK government.
“That is why it is only with the full powers of independence can we truly provide a system that works for the people of Scotland, not against them.”
Fulton MacGregor 