Rhoda Grant: The Ofgem confirmed energy price cap rise from October is a 'sickening price hike' that risks plunging millions into fuel poverty and will affect people badly in the Highlands and Islands due to higher distribution costs
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Written and published before the death of Her Majesty the Queen and UK government measures to cap energy prices.
It was fantastic to get out and about in the constituency this summer. The pandemic had restricted MSPs, like everyone else, from travelling so it was a welcome return to meeting constituents face to face.
One visit locally was the Botanic Gardens in Inverness. I was amazed by the number of projects High Life Highland offers including the GROW and BEE projects. To see the produce that they grow on-site and to see how that benefits the community including local foodbanks was beneficial.
Recently, Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap will be rising to £3,549 per year from 1 October 2022 – an 80% rise on the current cap. This sickening price hike risks plunging millions into fuel poverty. This is especially the case here in the Highlands and Islands where we pay higher distribution costs. This is a national emergency and our governments have a moral duty to act. Labour’s fully costed plans would prevent the price cap rising over winter, freezing energy prices for six months and saving households an average of £1,000 – all paid by a tax on record oil and gas profits.
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It isn’t right that our Tory Government is protecting the soaring profits of oil and gas producers at the expense of working people. Here in Scotland the SNP Government could also be doing so much more – that is why Scottish Labour have called for an emergency cost of living act to freeze rents, cut the cost of commuting and support businesses.
Now that Parliament has returned, I’m keen to add pressure on the Scottish Government to review the NHS Patient Travel Scheme. In the NHS Highland region, the reimbursement rate is 17p per mile. That means that a Thurso patient driving to a Raigmore appointment is going to be reimbursed less than £25 for travel. That amount is simply not enough.
In this cost-of-living crisis I’m fearful that people who need to travel long distances are choosing not to attend healthcare appointments because they can’t afford it. In a constituency where health services have been centralised, I think it’s vital that this scheme is reviewed and that people are reimbursed fairly! That is why I have submitted some Written Parliamentary Questions asking for specific dates of when this review will begin in the hope it adds pressure to act.
To end this column, I wanted to thank my colleague and friend, Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP for coming to Inverness to host a discussion session on her Transitions to Adulthood Bill. This important Bill aims to make sure that structures are in place to support disabled children and young people as they transition into adulthood. Currently there is a “cliff-edge” where support drops when a disabled person leaves school and Pam’s Bill hopes to change that. It was great to hear a local perspective on this and I look forward to seeing the Bill progress through Parliament.
