The Scottish Government published its response to the consultation on Low Income Winter Heating Assistance (LIWHA) on 7 June 2022, confirming the new Scottish benefit will replace the Cold Weather Payment scheme in Scotland from winter 2022-231.
Under the proposals, LIWHA will pay a new £50 winter heating payment annually to low income households currently eligible for the Cold Weather Payment, regardless of the weather2. The existing Cold Weather Payment pays £25 for every seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March2. The Scottish Government said the change removes the cold weather condition, so payment does not depend on cold weather in a specific area1.
"unlike the UK Government's Cold Weather Payments, our benefit will not be dependent on cold weather in a specific area to trigger a payment"
The response states the benefit will provide reliable new financial support to around 400,000 people1. The consultation analysis found 70% of respondents agreed with replacing the Cold Weather Payment with a new benefit, and 76% agreed with removing the cold spell requirement2. Among those who disagreed, the most common view was that removing the cold spell criteria could make some households worse off than under the Cold Weather Payment2.
Views on the payment itself were more divided. Just over half of respondents (52%) disagreed with the proposed £50 payment, with the most prevalent concern being that £50 is not enough given rising energy costs2. A majority (52%) also disagreed with making payments in February each year, with many saying this is too late and that January or December would be better2. Just over half (51%) agreed with LIWHA being made as a cash payment2.
| Proposal | Consultation finding |
|---|---|
| Replace Cold Weather Payment with LIWHA | 70% agreed2 |
| Remove cold spell requirement | 76% agreed2 |
| £50 annual payment | 52% disagreed2 |
| Payment in February | 52% disagreed2 |
| Cash payment | 51% agreed2 |
Why it matters for households
For households in Scotland currently eligible for the Cold Weather Payment, the change means winter support no longer depends on whether a cold spell is recorded in their area. Under the existing scheme, a payment of £25 is triggered by seven days of very cold weather; under LIWHA, a single £50 payment is made annually to eligible households regardless of temperature2. The Scottish Government says this gives recipients certainty about receiving support1.
The consultation analysis records concerns that a fixed £50 may leave some households worse off than under the Cold Weather Payment, particularly in areas that regularly experience cold weather, rural areas, and the Highlands and Islands, where fuel costs are typically higher2. The Winter Heating Payment in Scotland replaces the Cold Weather Payment for eligible low income households; separate support exists for other groups through the Child Winter Heating Payment in Scotland and the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland.
What happens next
The Scottish Government said the new benefit will be launched "safely, securely and on schedule this winter"1. The response confirms LIWHA will replace Cold Weather Payments in Scotland from winter 2022-231. The consultation analysis notes that any changes to the proposals are unlikely to satisfy all stakeholders, given the variation in views expressed2. No further implementation dates beyond winter 2022-23 have been reported.