First Minister’s pledge on the means-tested benefit is a ‘humiliating U-turn’ for the SNP, say Scottish Tories
First Minister’s pledge on the means-tested benefit is a ‘humiliating U-turn’ for the SNP, say Scottish Tories
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Scottish ministers control the benefit north of the border, and they will receive extra funding from the Treasury
John Swinney had promised every pensioner £100 but now only those with an income less than £35,000 will receive help
Claimants would receive less if they had another source of income and the payment would ‘gently’ taper off as earnings increased
Quarter of pensioners will receive payment but have to return it via PAYE or tax returns
A complicated solution being mooted to defuse fury at Labour slashing the benefit - worth up to £300 - would see it handed to all…
Change means about 7.5 million pensioners in England and Wales who lost out on payment will have it restored
