Winter warmer boost for 1million

Somerville to announce cold weathe cash for all of Scotland's pensioners

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE SNP government will reinstate a Winter Fuel Payment for nearly one million Scots by reversing Chancellor Reeves's cut.

Social Justice Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will announce the move at Holyrood today in a bid to outflank the Labour Government.

It is understood all older Scots will be entitled to a payment, but not every recipient will get the same amount.

The government would not confirm whether the benefit will be reinstated this winter or next.

Reeves' decision to means-test a payment worth up to £300 will see around 900,000 people in Scots lose out.

It was branded heartless by critics amid rising energy bills ahead of a bitter winter.

The Record recently revealed John Swinney's government was actively considering reversing the cut and it is expected Somerville will confirm the move in a statement.