THE SNP Scottish government was condemned today after choosing to follow in Labour’s footsteps by ditching universal fuel support for pensioners.

A Winter Fuel Allowance for all pensioners was introduced by Labour in 1997, but within weeks of returning to power Chancellor Rachel Reeves slashed eligibility to only include those claiming pensioner tax credit.

This winter’s round of payments had for the first time been devolved to the Scottish government, rebadged as Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP).