A Lanarkshire politician is asking residents to take part in a Scottish Government consultation on winter heating payments.

Clydesdale MSP Mairi McAllan is making locals aware of a government survey which is seeking public views on the introduction of the pension age winter heating payments.

The payment, which is planned for winter 2024, will be an annual payment and will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.

The government is consulting people across Scotland to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid.  Ms McAllan is urging locals to take part in the consultation to make sure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs.

She said: “The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including many in Clydesdale.

“The SNP Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known of how this payment can best be delivered.  “Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established.  “Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million people as the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.”

The consultation can be completed here, and is available until January 15.