universal

Elliot‘s work has been received differently around the world. “But this film, I feel, is a little bit more universal,” he says.

It was introduced in 1997 as a universal payment to reassure pensioners they would be able to heat their homes as temperatures drop, although in practice recipients can spend it on whatever they want.

He added: "My promise to Londoners is for as long as I am mayor, children going to state primary schools will receive this offer of a universal free school meal."

At the time, the story manifested itself in a “very simple hand-drawn” short film about a cat and its fear of water — a universal narrative that allowed the story to proceed without a traditional antagonist.

First Minister John Swinney has been urged to find extra funding to provide universal coverage for winter fuel payments in his budget for 2025-26, which is due to be announced on 4 December.