SNP MP Graham Leadbitter targets a Highland energy rebate from the UK government saying ‘people who can see excess energy being generated from their gardens should not be paying more to heat their homes’
SNP MP Graham Leadbitter has secured the backing of the Scottish Government to pursue a Highland energy rebate from the UK government because “people who can see excess energy being generated from their gardens should not be paying more to heat their homes”.
If introduced, the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP argued a rebate would end an injustice that sees many consumers in the north paying premiums for their energy, despite living next to key renewable energy producing sites.
He said: “Much of the energy powering homes in the rest of the UK is produced up here, and yet the homes closest to the production of the clean and renewable energy so many people rely on are often stuck with the highest bills.
“People who can see excess energy being generated from their gardens should not be paying more to heat their homes or use their appliances”.
Ahead of a meeting with UK government ministers next month, Mr Leadbitter met acting climate action minister, Alasdair Allan, who reiterated the government’s support for the party’s commitment to introduce a Highland Energy Rebate.
If introduced, he argued, the rebate would end an injustice that sees many consumers in the Highlands and north of Scotland pay premiums for their energy, despite living next to key renewable energy producing sites.
Mr Leadbitter said the meeting was a positive step towards securing fairer bills, and called on the UK government to listen closely and deliver for Highlanders.
“Much of the energy powering homes in the rest of the UK is produced up here, and yet the homes closest to the production of the clean and renewable energy so many people rely on are often stuck with the highest bills,” he said.
“People who can see excess energy being generated from their gardens should not be paying more to heat their homes or use their appliances.
“And that injustice is an especially bitter pill to swallow now, with energy prices set to rise for a third time under Labour in April. They promised to reduce bills by £300, instead they’ve risen by £279. When you add that to the premiums people are paying in this part of Scotland it amounts to a scandal.
“When I meet with the UK government next month I hope they listen closely to the concerns my constituents raise time and time again, and act to deliver lower energy bills.
“Labour must not copy the mistakes of previous governments in allowing this injustice to continue - they must implement a Highland Energy Rebate.”
