SNP CALLS FOR SOCIAL TARIFFS TO TACKLE CRIPPLING ENERGY COSTS
Posted on Friday, January 4 2008
"Moray residents set to be hit hard by increases" - RobertsonMoray's Westminster Member of Parliament, Angus Robertson, has warned that increases in energy prices will hit the poorest hard and, along with SNP colleagues, has called on the UK Government to compel energy companies to introduce social tariffs.Mr Robertson's calls come as substantial increases in gas and electricity prices are being announced with energy group Npower likely to be the first to raise prices by around 15%.In Moray Mr Robertson has already been highlighting the issues surrounding fuel poverty and this is yet another blow for hard-pressed residents with soaring fuel bills.Commenting Mr Robertson said:" People will die in Moray this year from cold related illness and in the 21st century that is unacceptable." It is outrageous that households and businesses throughout Moray, as part of an energy rich Scotland, find themselves being hit by a succession of fuel bill increases. The UK Government should be made to explain why a nation that produces eight times the amount of gas it consumes is in the grip of such a crisis." Npower may be first to put their heads above the parapet, but the others will inevitably follow suit. This is hardly a happy new year for Scotland's consumers." Energy is an issue for the UK Government and they need to get a grip of this issue and take real action. The forthcoming Energy Bill shouldbe 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 of how they will pay for it." As usual we are given the advice to "switch" to get the best deals. That is impractical for those on lower incomes or prepayment meters. The lower price deals are largely confined to those who can afford to pay by direct debit." It is simply not acceptable for Gordon Brown's Government to hide behind the excuse that consumers can switch suppliers to get betterdeals.Ends.
MORAY WINTER CAMPAIGN - ROBERTSON SUPPORTS CALL TO CUT VAT TO TACKLE FUEL POVERTY
Posted on Wednesday, January 2 2008
Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson has made a further call for the UK Government to take urgent action to tackle fuel poverty after recent figures showed that nearly a quarter of households in Scotland now live in fuel poverty, an increase of 5% since 2005.The Moray Member of the Westminster Parliament has been campaigning this winter to raise awareness among Moray residents of steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of fuel high fuel prices during the coldest months of the year.A person is classified as living in fuel poverty if they spend more than 10% of their household income on heating bills. In colder more remote rural areas like many parts of Moray the problem can be particularly acute, with vulnerable groups such as the elderly most likely to be affected.Meanwhile in the Scottish Parliament, SNP MSP Alex Neil has lodged a parliamentary motion which calls on the UK Government to slash VAT on home improvements from 17.5% to 5%, enabling thousands families to upgrade their homes to ensure they are more energy efficient.Commenting Angus Robertson MP said:" Their will be many people in Moray who will be in the grim position of having to choose between heating their homes properly and buying essential items such as food and petrol.“ In Scotland the SNP Government is doing what it can by increasing investment in heating improvements for vulnerable groups and ensuring that energy saving advice and assistance is widely available." However much of the problem lies with the Westminster Government. The issue of VAT, for example, is reserved to Westminster but it is important that we in Scotland ensure that our voice is heard.“ The increase in fuel poverty means many people will have spent their Christmas and New Year at home in the cold.“ Fuel poverty can be a silent killer, particularly among the elderly, as people on low incomes feel forced to turn the thermostat down to save money.“ The Federation of Master Builders argues that slashing the cost of VAT on building repair work would be a massive step in helping those on marginal incomes to properly insulate their homes. This is a sensible proposal, not requiring much effort from the UK Government, which would address a growing problem in Scotland.“ The simple fact is that winter is upon us, and we need to take action to help those who are most vulnerable to the effects of the cold. I want to see the UK Government take action and implement this VAT reduction.“ The Scottish Government is taking action to ensure people, especially the elderly, have heating systems that work. It is now important that the UK Government takes steps to ensure pensioners can afford repairs to their homes to stop that heat escaping.“ Fuel Poverty concerns us all and I hope to see MSPs from all parties endorsing this sensible step to tackling fuel poverty."ENDS
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