SNP TURN ON THE HEAT WITH FUEL PLAN.

SNP TURN ON THE HEAT WITH FUEL PLAN.

The SNP Government’s Energy Assistance Package has been welcomed by SNP MSP John Wilson.

The package which is backed by £60 million of funding will see efforts to tackle fuel poverty focussed on those that need it most – expanding the scheme from simply covering pensioners to supporting families with young children.

The package offers help with central heating and insulation, free benefit and tax credit checks to boost incomes and tariff checks to ensure people are paying the correct amounts on their bill.

Mr Wilson welcomed the scheme as he called on Energy companies to bring prices down further;

“Scotland is leading the way in tackling fuel poverty.

“The new Energy Assistance Package delivers the right kind of support to those who need it and will make sure those facing fuel poverty have access to the benefits, tariffs and help with the installation of central heating or insulation where it is needed.

“Energy company’s contributions to tackling fuel poverty are welcome but they could go further. Energy prices increased by 40% in the last year but are only falling by 4%.

“Similarly the UK Government must adopt OFGEM’s recommendation that energy companies should stop penalising customers based on their method of payment.”

“Previous schemes missed many of those who struggled to pay their bills and left some, particularly those with young children, in fuel poverty.

“This is real help for people in communities across Scotland. Anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, or unable to heat their house should speak to Energy Savings Scotland, to Citizen’s Advice or to their energy company for help and support.”