WEIR CALLS FOR SOCIAL TARRIFFS ON RISING HOME ENERGY COSTS

SNP Westminster Energy Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has warned that projected increases in energy prices will hit the poorest hard and called on the UK Government to compel energy companies to introduce social tariffs.

Mr Weir’s calls come as reports highlight the rising costs of wholesale supplies will mean massive increases in domestic prices in the New Year.

Mr Weir said:

“It is an utter scandal that, in an energy rich nation like Scotland, poorer families and pensioners face a bleak new year wondering how they are going to afford to heat their homes.

“The Scottish Government has rightly increased investment in the central heating scheme for pensioners, but this will not tackle the problem as long as energy prices keep rocketing.

“Energy is a reserved matter and the UK Government needs to get a grip of this issue and take real action. The forthcoming Energy Bill should be about tackling the real problem of fuel poverty rather than Labour’s obsession with nuclear power.

“The Westminster Government should insist that all energy companies introduce realistic social tariffs to allow those in poorer households to heat their homes without fear. Given the £3billion of additional Scottish oil revenues, they should also tackle the long standing scandal of the cost of energy through pre-payment meters and insist that the cost is lowered to that which can be achieved through direct debit payments.

“It is simply not acceptable for Gordon Brown’s Government to hide behind the excuse that consumers can switch suppliers to get better deals. The truth is that those on low incomes or pre payment meters find it very difficult to do so, and indeed many of them will not have bank accounts to pay by direct debit.”