BROWN POCKETS A BILLION, AS SCOTS WORRY OVER RISING FUEL BILLS

VUNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS NEED HELP NOW 

Mike Weir MP, SNP Westminster Spokesperson on Energy, has called upon the UK government to use some of the massive increase in income from taxation on energy bills to help vulnerable households in Scotland.

Speaking as the latest increases from Scottish Gas took effect Mr Weir pointed out that Gordon Brown stands to pocket a record £1billion in taxation from domestic energy bills this year, mainly from VAT on rapidly increasing bills.

“Whilst Scots wonder how they are going to afford their winter fuel bills Brown is raking in a massive amount in extra taxation. It is high time that the government  used some of this windfall for a real attack on fuel poverty.”

Mr Weir pointed out that the government own recently published energy review noted the problem with fuel poverty amongst vulnerable non pensioner households and promised to look at new schemes “after this winter”.

“This is totally unacceptable. Vulnerable Scottish households, those with disabled people or who suffer from conditions where need greater heat for example, need help now.”

“Is it any coincidence that the government are only prepared to look at help next year, when all the analysts tell us that wholesale gas prices are due to fall? Will we be told next year that the help is not needed as costs are falling?  This is cynicism on a massive scale. Vulnerable households need help now and the additional tax revenue that Brown is receiving could provide that help now.”

“It is an utterly ludicrous situation that in an energy rich nation like Scotland so many of our people wonder how they can afford their fuel bills.”