Scottish pensioners who lost out on winter fuel payments this year are to receive a new Holyrood benefit next year, the government has confirmed. The payment will not be ready until late 2025, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told parliament.

The Scottish Government said it will ‘continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour Government’.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves ended universal entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, in a move backed by MPs after Labour won the general election. Under the new rules, eligibility is limited to those in receipt of Pension Credit.

Pensioners in Scotland are set to get help with energy costs after winter fuel payments across the UK were cut by Labour.

Scottish ministers are set to announce help for pensioners who have lost their winter fuel payments. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will make a statement to Holyrood later focussing on supporting older people with energy costs.

Scotland's social justice secretary is expected to announce a new benefit to help pensioners who lost their winter fuel payments. The BBC understands the new devolved benefit is to be ready in time for next winter.