Campaigners have demanded Sir Keir Starmer follow Scotland’s lead by giving a winter heating payment to all pensioners.

The devolved benefit is expected to come into force by next winter and will help the estimated 900,000 people north of the border who were cut off from accessing the winter fuel payment which used to be universal.

The payment is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern Ireland but the SNP government said Labour’s approach would cause up to a £160million cut to Scottish funding in 2024-25.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age said: “Today we welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to pay the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to all older people in Scotland next year.

“The Scottish Government has listened to the voices of those in later life struggling financially in Scotland and taken action. Now, the UK Government must do the same and make sure older people in poverty continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment

. Since the changes were announced, our helpline has been inundated with calls from anxious older people who tell us that they’re already making dramatic cutbacks like skipping meals or washing in cold water. Living in this way can be detrimental to people’s physical and mental health. This cannot be right.”

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the news in a statement to the Scottish parliament today.

She said: “This Scottish government is determined to stay true to our values.

“We will not abandon older people this winter or indeed any winter and we will continue to protect our pensioners from the harsh reality of a UK Labour government.”

The UK government scrapped universal entitlement to winter fuel payments – which are set at either £200 or £300 – earlier this year, with only those on pension credit or other benefits eligible.

The Scottish government, which was supposed to introduce a replacement universal benefit north of the border in April, said Labour’s decision meant it had no choice but to push its plans back until late 2025.

The change means an estimated 900,000 pensioners in Scotland are losing out on the payment this winter.

The Daily Express has demanded Rachel Reeves restore the winter fuel allowance for up to 10 million pensioners stripped of it in July.

Under the plans announced in Scotland, those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits and who have received a £200 or £300 payment this year will get the same next year through the devolved scheme.

All other pensioners will receive a reduced payment of £100.

Ms Somerville said: “We have not taken this decision lightly, given the significant pressures on the Scottish government’s budget, but this Scottish government is determined to stay true to our values.

“On our watch, we will treat people in this country with fairness, dignity and respect.”