BROWN BAGS OVER A BILLION AS FUEL POVERTY RISES
 
*      The Treasury made £1.1 Billion on VAT from rising Gas and Electricity Bills this year.
*      VAT receipts have increased 63% since 2004 because of rising bills.
*      Fuel Poverty in Scotland has increased by 113% in the last 4 years.
*      One in four homes in Scotland is in fuel poverty.
 
SNP Energy Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP has commented on the Government's massive increase in income from taxation on energy bills as many more vulnerable households suffer from fuel poverty.
 
Mr Weir noted that many households in Scotland have suffered several substantial rises but pointed out that Gordon Brown stands to pocket a record £1.1 billion in taxation from domestic energy bills. This comes as record numbers of homes in Scotland are suffering from fuel poverty.
 
Mr Weir said:
 
"An increasing number of households in Scotland worry about how they are going to afford their winter fuel bills this year as Mr. Brown is raking in record amounts of VAT from gas and electricity bills.
 
"He has done precious little to help the people who suffer from fuel poverty in Scotland and it is high time that the government used some of this windfall to tackle the one in four cold homes in Scotland this year. He has made more than enough to give every person receiving the Winter Fuel Payment an extra £100.
 
"Next May it's a straight choice between the Labour Party, which, on their watch, has seen fuel poverty rise 114% in Scotland in the last four years, and the SNP led by Alex Salmond who, unlike the London parties, will look after the interests of the Scottish society."