Scotland´s anti-poverty network says the Chancellor can bring in a new social tariff to help people struggling with their energy bills.
The Poverty Alliance was reacting to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who says that the UK Government is looking to create a system of support for households on lower incomes.
Peter Kelly, Chief Executive of The Poverty Alliance, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s recognition that people on the lowest incomes need better protection from high energy bills. Across Scotland, too many households are already struggling to heat their homes, even with the current price cap in place, and there is real concern about what happens when it ends in July.
“We hope this commitment leads to a real social tariff on energy bills that automatically protects people on low incomes and provides long‑term security, rather than leaving families once again exposed to rising costs.
“It’s crucial that any support package also looks out for people living with disabilities, with caring responsibilities or those living in rural and island Scotland who can’t avoid high energy costs. Their bills are often much higher than the averages used by Ofgem to calculate price caps.
“And the Government should build on the emergency support it has provided to users of home heating oil to provide a long-term solution for households who are not on the gas grid, and don’t yet use electricity to heat their homes.”
Enter your email address to receive regular e-updates about our work. If at any time you want to stop receiving these, simply contact us. We’ll keep your details safe and won’t share them with any other organisations for their marketing purposes. For full details see our Privacy Policy.