A Clydebank MSP has responded to the decision to end winter fuel payments calling it a 'cruel cut'.

Marie McNair has hit out at West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister who voted in favour of scrapping the payment which gave pensioners up to £300 to help with their heating costs.

She says the ending of the scheme will result in 'pensioners paying the price' and calls on the MP to reverse the decision.

However, Douglas McAllister has said the vote doesn't change the position in Scotland and that the payment will instead target the poorest.

The Clydebank SNP MSP said: “During the General Election all we heard from Labour was how they promised ‘change’ when elected. Unfortunately, their actions in Government have resulted in pensioners paying the price.

“Douglas and his fellow Labour MP’s have enacted a cruel cut which will affect those most vulnerable in our community - our elderly residents. They know full well that Scottish pensioners will face the coldest winters.

“My SNP colleagues in Westminster rightly voted against this cruel Labour cut and will continue to oppose further austerity measures down the line.

“I am calling on Douglas McAllister and the Labour Government to reverse this decision before Scottish pensioners are forced to endure extreme hardship.”

Hitting back Douglas says the MSP needs to 'get her facts straight'.

He said: "I find it quite staggering that the SNP MSP is unaware that the decision taken by the UK Government relates to England and Wales only. I can assist her however with getting the facts straight.

"The vote in the Commons does not change the position in Scotland. That is because from October, the Winter Fuel Allowance is devolved and the Scottish Parliament will soon vote on eligibility in Scotland. The Scottish Government have made the decision, well in advance of the UK Government, and backed by their own expert panel, to means test the winter fuel payment. Therefore I am presuming that she is calling on her own government to reverse their decision.

"She seems to be suggesting that I should have joined with her SNP Westminster colleagues and voted with the Conservatives.

"The second fact is that the Winter Fuel Payment is not being abolished. It is being targeted at the poorest pensioners, those in receipt of Pension Credit.

"Many in West Dunbartonshire are eligible for Pension Credit who haven’t applied. Rather than engaging in ill- informed political sniping, I would prefer to  help anyone who needs assistance to apply.

"Finally, the Labour Party promised at the General Election to protect the pension triple lock, last year the state pension increased by around £400. My Government have absolutely guaranteed the triple lock on pensions for the lifetime of this Parliament meaning that pension income will rise by over £1000 over the course of this Parliament.

"This is just one measure and we will set out a complete budget at the end of October.

"As for the Conservatives, they really have no shame, having wrecked the economy and created an in year £22 bn black hole in the economy, we will get on with the job of fixing the mess they created. We are fixing the foundations to restore stability and grow the economy which we will all eventually see the benefit of."