AN AYR MSP is encouraging local residents to apply for pension credit after Labour’s ‘abhorrent’ Winter Fuel Payment decision.

SNP MSP Siobhan Brown wants to ensure people in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon receive their Winter Fuel Payment by applying for pension credit before September 22. 

She said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.

"As a result, 24,140 will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.

“The SNP are clear; this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across my constituency out in the cold.

"If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”

37 per cent of eligible people across the UK do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the £300 payment after the UK Labour government cut its universal provision.

The qualifying week for those who are eligible for the payment is September 16–22, however over 800,000 pensioners across Scotland are now set to lose out.