Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, has welcomed moves by the Scottish Government to tackle energy bills and resist the UK Labour Government’s cut to Winter Fuel Payments.

SNP Ministers have been in discussions with E.ON. Scottish Gas and other suppliers regarding a ‘social tariff’ to bring down energy bills for vulnerable Scots.  Meanwhile, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Keith said:

“The discussions between Scottish Government Ministers and energy companies on establishing a ‘social tariff’ that would offer discounted energy deals to at-risk households shows the determination within the SNP to seek innovative ways to address the challenges Westminster austerity brings.

“What a welcome development this would be, and it is great to see the Scottish Government taking positive steps to drive down energy bills.  That is a real contrast to Westminster Labour who have made a cash grab on Pensioners’ Payments and allowed the energy price cap to soar.

“Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to the UK Government urging them to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment, calling on the UK Government to take action to address root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

“The SNP wants to help those struggling with fuel poverty like low-income families and pensioners but it is an uphill battle with fuel bills set to soar from October through the winter months as the UK Labour Government has allowed the energy price cap to be raised by 10 per cent.”