CHANCELLOR FAILS TO KEEP UP WITH RISING ENERGY PRICES

The SNP's Trade and Industry spokesperson Mike Weir MP today (Thursday) condemned the present £200 winter fuel allowance at DTI Questions as being completely inadequate to protect Scots pensioners against the winter cold.

Speaking at DTI Questions, Mr Weir said:

"Yesterday the Chancellor confirmed the winter fuel allowance will stay at £200. Does the Minister accept that in light of rising prices this is a totally inadequate amount to protect pensioners from the winter cold."

Commenting afterwards, Mr Weir called for urgent action to tackle the rising tide of fuel poverty caused by huge increases in energy prices.

"Every rise throws thousands of households into fuel poverty. The winter fuel allowance for pensioners is totally inadequate to meet escalating bills, and many are again having to decide between heating and eating.

"Worse still many other vulnerable households get absolutely no help whatsoever."

"It is ludicrous that in an energy rich nation like Scotland vulnerable people are afraid to heat their homes properly and the Government's response is both inadequate and paltry."