THE UK Government is being urged to increase its £10 Christmas bonus in line with the rate of inflation to bolster support for households over the winter period.
The bonus was first introduced in 1972 and is a one-off reserved benefit that automatically gives £10 to those on certain social security payments.
However, the payment has not been increased by inflation since its introduction 50 years ago. If it had, it would be worth more than £100, according to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator.
SNP MSP Kevin Stewart is calling on the UK government to increase it to that level and has already written to the Chancellor with his request.
Commenting, Stewart said: “The UK Government’s failure to uprate their Christmas bonus alongside spiraling inflation means a one-off £10 payment will make little difference to people’s household incomes over winter.
“This winter period is going to be particularly tough for households across the country and the Scottish Government is doing its bit by introducing the Winter Heating Payment, which replaces the Westminster system with one that guarantees a payment no matter the weather.
“However, the Scottish Government continues to act with one hand tied behind its back by an austerity-obsessed Westminster government. That is why it is only with the full powers of independence can we build a fairer, more equal Scotland.”
READ MORE: Gender recognition reform PASSES in Holyrood after three-day debate
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We know that Christmas is a time that can stretch budgets which is why we offer those on certain benefits a £10 bonus and pay many people their benefits earlier than usual, helping them over the festive period.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel