Urgent action on social tariffs demanded by Inverness MP as householders face rising energy costs
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Urgent action should be taken to implement social tariffs as a crucial measure to alleviate the burdens imposed by skyrocketing energy costs on vulnerable households.
That is the call from Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry who is also the SNP's economy spokesperson.
The call comes as householders face a fresh price cap five per cent rise on January 1 and the possibility of further rises by UK regulator OfGem.
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Social tariffs are currently available on phone and broadband packages, for those in need.
But Mr Hendry has called for this to be extended to include energy bills, given the impact that rising energy costs are having on many families and those most vulnerable this winter.
Mr Hendry said the Chancellor’s lack of action in the Autumn statement had left many households struggling to make ends meet without even the energy bill discount support from last winter being renewed, even though bills are higher, with one in four already resorting to reducing heating to cope.
"There is no support coming from the Chancellor on energy bills at a time when costs are higher than ever and most households are worried about how they will cope," he said.
"More and more families are being drawn into debt in this Westminster fuelled cost of living crisis and energy bills are a massive concern.
"Folk here in the Highlands will be hit hardest by this persistent lack of action even though we export far, far more energy than we consume.
"As temperatures plummet, and with prices set to rise again in January, people are having to make the decision between heating or eating. For some there is no choice.
"It’s utterly wrong that OfGem are considering further price increases. The price cap changes on January 1 shouldn’t be happening but news that they are considering another change, to benefit energy companies, is a step too far. Energy bill payers must be supported through this crisis, not punished further."
"In the SNP, we have continuously called for Westminster to introduce social tariffs, to help the most vulnerable and for the re-introduction of the £400 energy bill rebate, which would have gone a long way to help others to navigate the winter."
Those who are struggling with increasing energy bills this winter, can find a list of resources at Find support/energy.
