(Image: Jamie Williamson)

John Swinney 'actively considering' bringing back universal winter fuel payment in Scottish Budget

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John Swinney is "actively considering" the reintroduction of universal winter fuel payments in his December Budget.

Government sources said they are mulling over the move after Chancellor Rachel Reeves slashed the payment for around 90% of older Scots.

Reeves announced the payment of up to £300 for pensioners would be mean-tested to help fill a £22bn black hole.

The move was met with fury and is blamed for Scottish Labour sliding in the polls.

However, the SNP Government could be set to pile further misery on Labour.

The benefit, although devolved to Holyrood, will be administrated by Whitehall this winter, meaning the cut will go ahead.

But insiders say the Swinney could use the Budget, which covers 2025/26, to restore the universal payment in winter next year.

Restoration would come into effect months before the Holyrood 2026 election, which is a two horse race between Labour and the SNP.

The cost would be around £160m and a Government source said: “It is something we are actively considering.”

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