Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has highlighted that pensioners have begun receiving financial support to help heat their homes this winter, as temperatures drop across the Western Isles. 

The first payments from the SNP Scottish Government’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment have now been processed and are starting to appear in pensioners’ accounts, with most recipients receiving their payments automatically.  

Allan commented:  

“This week has seen the Met Office issue a Yellow Weather Warning for ice across the islands, so it’s very welcome that pensioners have started to receive support to heat their homes this winter.  

“The Western Isles face some of the highest levels of fuel poverty and Labour promised to bring energy bills down. A year on, we see heating bills continue to rise and Labour face a disastrous U-turn in attempting to scrap winter fuel payments.

“I don’t claim that the measures that have come into force in Scotland can address the whole problem, but they have ensured Western Isles pensioners have more support this winter. “