Latest news
Scottish Credit Unions and pensioners betrayed as funeral plans axed
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning organisation for older people in Scotland has said thousands of older Scots have been blindsided by the abrupt collapse of funeral insurance policies sold through Scottish credit unions. The Family Protection Plan (FPP), underwritten by Maiden Life Försäkrings and brokered by C Mutual, is being pulled by the end of November—leaving long-standing policyholders with nothing to show for years of payments.
This shock decision has triggered widespread fury. Credit unions, pensioners’ organisations, and MSPs are demanding answers, calling the move “immoral,” “callous,” and “a betrayal of trust.” Many affected are elderly, on low incomes, and now face being uninsurable due to age or health—stripped of the dignity and security they were promised.
David Edwards, Chair of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, condemned this decision: “Older people have paid in thousands over the years. Now they’re being told they’ll get nothing. It’s disgraceful. The rug has been pulled from under them. Someone must be held accountable.”
Increase in targeted scams on winter fuel payment slammed
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning organisation for older people in Scotland, has today issued an urgent warning following an increased surge in fraudulent text and email scams linked to the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.
Scammers are impersonating official bodies, such as the Department for Work and Pensions, sending unsolicited texts and emails warning recipients they must apply or risk losing their payment; these messages often feature urgent deadlines and links to fraudulent websites.
Anger at price cap increase
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning group for older people in Scotland, has today hit back at the need for a further price cap, which will see many more older people and vulnerable families plunged into greater hardship this winter
David Edwards, SPF Chair fumed:
‘Early predictions had indicated that the price cap was due to increase by 1% but today’s announcement of 2% was somewhat unexpected.
In the grand scheme of things, it may not look like much but for the most vulnerable people, any increase on energy costs can be the difference between eating and heating this winter.
Annual gathering celebrates with a win
This year, the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning organisation for older people in Scotland, will be holding their Annual Conference at the Glynhill Hotel in Renfrew on Tuesday 10th June 2025 and will be celebrating with a win after the Chancellor’s dramatic u-turn on the Winter Fuel Allowance
Rose Jackson, SPF Chair stated:
“This is the first meeting of older people since the Chancellor’s announcement and yes, we will be seeing this as a win. Our joint campaign, alongside Unite the Union and the National Pensioners’ Convention, clearly demonstrated the strength of feeling that society has for the welfare of their older people. We certainly made our voices heard loud and clear.
Anger at decision to omit winter fuel decision from budget statement
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning organisation for older people in Scotland, has hit out at Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her shameful omission of any mention of the Winter Fuel Allowance in today’s Budget Statement.
Rose Jackson, SPF Chair stated:
“This was supposed to be a budget for change and progression but there was nothing new from where we are sitting.
“Whilst the retention of the triple lock and a 4.1% increase in state pension from April 2025 are welcome, this won’t help to heat older people’s homes this winter.
RSS