The Scottish Labour leader said it made little sense for 'millionaires' to be receiving the benefit at a time of immense pressure on public services.
Anas Sarwar has backed a replacement benefit for the Winter Fuel Payment being "targeted" at Scots who need it most.
Older people across the UK, regardless of their income, are currently eligible for a payment to help them pay for heating bills during the coldest months. But there is now a question-mark over whether the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment should remain available to all older people or become means-tested.
Asked by the Record if the replacement benefit in Scotland should be universal, the MSP said: "I think we have an opportunity to make this a more targeted benefit. The Scottish Government has so far firmly supported the continuation of for other universal benefits such as free tuition, prescriptions and eye tests being offered regardless of economic circumstances.
Among several cut-backs in spending announced by Reeves was an end to the universal payment of the Winter Fuel Payment, which will instead become means-tested.Scottish politics A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Responsibility for Winter Fuel Payment will be transferred to the Scottish Government this winter, with these payments funded from within the 2024-25 Scottish Budget.
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