ANGELA CONSTANCE MSP DEMANDs ACTION FROM UK GOVERNMENT OVER SPIRALLING ENERGY COSTS

ANGELA CONSTANCE MSP DEMANDs ACTION FROM UK GOVERNMENT OVER SPIRALLING ENERGY COSTS

The Almond Valley MSP has called on the UK government to:

• Scrap the upcoming increase to the energy price cap
• Double the energy grant to £800 and ensure all payments are made by the beginning of October
• Introduce an energy price cap for Small and Medium Enterprises
• Bring in a further windfall tax and extend it to include all large businesses who made significant profits during the pandemic

A recent study found that 72.8% of those living in Scotland will fall into fuel poverty by January 2023 without further action from the UK government.

The Scottish Government is using its limited powers to extend eligibility for and increase the Scottish Child Payment, carry out an emergency budget review to identify any further opportunities to redirect additional resources to those most in need, and is looking at what options are available to devolved government for regulatory action to limit increases in costs for households and businesses.

Commenting, Angela Constance MSP said:

“The UK Tory government must immediately come out of hiding and take urgent action to address spiralling energy costs – people in West Lothian cannot wait until the Tories have decided who their next leader will be.

“Any action must include scrapping the energy price cap, doubling the energy grant, bringing in an energy price cap for businesses, and implementing another broader windfall tax.

“While the Scottish Government is doing what it can with its limited powers to help people in Scotland through the Tory-made cost-of-living crisis, including spending £700m mitigating the bedroom tax and benefit cap, it is the UK government that has the powers that will make the most difference.

“So I am urging Tory ministers to stop passing the buck and take responsibility for supporting people with their energy bills - otherwise millions will be pushed into, or further into, poverty and destitution, and lives could be lost.

“For as long as the UK government fails to act, Scotland’s need for independence grows. Only with the full powers of independence can we properly support households and businesses in Scotland, and escape Westminster control for good.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Two-thirds of UK families could be in fuel poverty by January, research finds - The Guardian

https://www.gov.scot/news/taking-action-on-cost-emergency/

• Latest News