SCOTTISH pensioners have welcomed the Chancellor’s U-turn on winter fuel payments (WFP), as they call on the Scottish government to follow suit.

Labour’s decision to means-test WFP last year came as the benefit was devolved to the SNP Scottish government, which responded by introducing a minimum payment of at least £100 for all pensioners.

Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Sommerville said: “The U-turn is welcome but I think it points to a rather shambolic way to make policy, which does have its implications on the Scottish government.”

Implications include extra cash and a decision on whether to match it or risk pensioners in Scotland losing out.

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum’s annual gathering in Renfrew, it chairwoman Rose Jackson said: “We will be seeing this as a win.  

“Our joint campaign, alongside Unite and the National Pensioners’ Convention, clearly demonstrated the strength of feeling.

“We hope that decision, which affects only England and Wales, will have a knock on effect and that we can look forward to a similar decision in the near future from Holyrood.”