Linda Howard

ScottishPower is redesigning its energy bills after customer feedback and research found that many people struggled to understand how charges were calculated and what key terms meant. Working with Plain Numbers, it has simplified the layout and wording and become the first energy supplier to receive Plain Numbers Certification for its bills. StepChange welcomed the move, saying clearer communications could help households understand their financial commitments and manage budgets, while the change may encourage other UK energy providers to follow suit.

Pensioners on low incomes, particularly those living alone, are encouraged to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, which can raise a single person’s weekly income to £238 and potentially increase annual income by more than £4,000. Eligibility depends on income, savings and circumstances, with additional support potentially available for housing, council tax, healthcare, energy costs and TV licences. Savings above £10,000 are considered but do not automatically disqualify applicants, and claims can be checked through the GOV.UK calculator or the Pension Credit claim line.

Households in Scotland receiving the Scottish Child Payment will have their £112.80 payment issued one day later than usual, arriving on August 4 due to the August bank holiday. Payments in England and Wales will not be affected. Further bank holiday-related changes to other benefits are expected, with payments scheduled for August 31 likely to be issued on August 29. The Scottish Child Payment provides £28.20 per week per eligible child and is paid every four weeks, with eligibility based on residence in Scotland and receipt of qualifying benefits.

A petition launched by Denver Johnson urges the UK Government to increase the State Pension to £610 per week and lower the eligibility age to 60, aligning payments with 48 hours of work at the National Living Wage. The proposal would affect 13 million current pensioners and around 453,000 expatriate pensioners with frozen payments. If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures it will receive a government response, and at 100,000 signatures it may be considered for parliamentary debate. The article also outlines current State Pension rates under the Triple Lock system and provides guidance on how pension income is taxed.

Historical errors in Home Responsibilities Protection have caused underpayments in the UK State Pension, mainly affecting women who claimed Child Benefit before 2000. National Insurance record mistakes account for most of the underpayments, prompting a correction exercise by the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs. More than 370,000 letters have been sent to potentially affected individuals, with efforts ongoing to amend records and issue arrears. Those concerned are encouraged to check their National Insurance history and State Pension forecast on GOV.UK.

Higher‑income pensioners can now use a new HMRC online calculator to determine whether their Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be reclaimed through tax if their individual income exceeds £35,000. Repayment will occur via adjusted tax codes in 2026 or through Self Assessment returns, and cannot be made as a lump sum. Eligible pensioners may opt out of receiving future payments to avoid later repayment and can rejoin the scheme if their circumstances change. The payments are designed to support older people with heating costs and are issued automatically unless declined.

Calls have been made for the UK Government to consider means-testing Personal Independence Payment amid rising costs, with MP Joy Morrissey citing increasing expenditure and higher-income claimants. Minister Stephen Timms reaffirmed that the benefit will remain non-means-tested, consistent with long-standing policy. An independent review, conducted alongside disabled people and charities, is underway to assess how PIP can better address claimant needs while remaining financially sustainable, with findings expected by autumn.