THE Scottish government was challenged yesterday to commit to channelling new Westminister government cash into keeping people warm this winter.

After introducing a means test for winter-fuel payments which will cost more than 10 million pensioners up to £300 this winter, the Labour government increased funding for its Household Support Fund in England, resulting in an extra £41 million coming to Scotland through Barnett consequentials.

As the Scottish National Party government puts the finishing touches on its draft Budget, Scottish Labour social justice spokesman Paul O’Kane has demanded to know where the new money has gone. 

In a swipe at Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, he said: “Winter is fast approaching and people need to know what support will be available — but it has been radio silence from the SNP.

“Shirley-Anne Somerville is missing in action and dodging questions while families across the country worry about how they will make ends meet.

“It would be a scandal if the SNP raids funding intended for vulnerable Scots and used it to plug their own Budget blackhole.

“Right now the SNP could use the funding it has to reverse its shameful decision to axe the Fuel Insecurity Fund and deliver energy bills support to thousands of households.

“The poorest Scots cannot keep paying the price for the SNP’s financial mismanagement — the SNP must explain what it is doing with the missing £41 million this year.”

Ms Somerville hit back: “Labour is engaged in the most remarkable Orwellian double-think — having just cut the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners across the UK, they now expect people to believe that they are in fact on the side of pensioners.

“Anas Sarwar sat on his hands while his Westminster colleagues forced through this cut.”