BBC Scotland News reporters Catriona Renton and James Delaney recently highlighted the legal challenge faced by Florence and Peter Fanning from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire regarding the scrapping of winter fuel payments by the UK and Scottish governments. The couple alleges that both governments did not adequately consult with pension-age individuals or provide an equality impact assessment on the changes. They argue that ending the £300 benefit for numerous pensioners across the country last year was “irrational” and violated their human rights.
Peter and Flo Fanning are seeking a judicial review at the Court of Session in Edinburgh to challenge the policy and reinstate the payment. With Mr. Fanning, 73, receiving a state and work pension, and Mrs. Fanning, 72, receiving the state pension, they do not qualify for pension credit. Therefore, they have taken action to advocate for the restoration of benefits for all pensioners, aiming to give a voice to those affected by the sudden policy change rolled out without much warning. The late former first minister, Alex Salmond, supported their cause, along with the Govan Law Centre.
Following announcements by the UK and Scottish governments to cut winter fuel payments, about 10 million pensioners in England and Wales lost their allowance, while pensioners on pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits retained annual payments. The Scottish government decided to end the payment last year due to budget concerns, postponing the introduction of a means-tested alternative, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), to winter 2025. Meanwhile, the devolved government in Northern Ireland provided affected pensioners with a one-off payment of £100.
The Fanning couple shared their struggles with increased energy costs and modifications in their energy usage at home following the benefit cut. They have raised concerns about the financial burdens faced by pensioners who rely on limited income sources. Through their legal challenge, they aim to hold public bodies accountable for their decisions affecting vulnerable populations. Despite initiatives by the UK and Scottish governments to support pensioners through various programs, the Fanning case sheds light on the need for transparent consultation processes and consideration of the impact on individuals’ rights and well-being
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