Following the disgraceful decision by the UK Labour Government to pull funding for Winter Fuel payments for many pensioners, Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, is encouraging pensioners in his constituency who have not already applied for pension credit to check whether they are eligible and apply by 22nd September to ensure they can be amongst the few who will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.  

Speaking this afternoon, Keith said:

“The disgraceful decision by the UK Labour government to slash access to the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in a very difficult situation.

“90 per cent of pensioners in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council areas do not receive pension credit.  That means there are around 9,000 elderly people in my constituency who will not get the Winter Fuel Payment this year.  All as a result of Labour’s fixation with continuing and extending Tory austerity policies.

“I do know that there are people who do not get pension credit who would be eligible so I would encourage everyone to ensure that they are not missing out on support to which they are entitled.

“The SNP are clear: this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across my Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency out in the cold.

“My message to any pensioner, who has not already done so, is: check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”