Families struggling with rising energy bills, mortgage payments and everyday living costs must receive meaningful financial support in today’s UK Budget, according to SNP economy spokesperson Kirsty Blackman.
The Aberdeen North MP has challenged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver on his promise to ease household pressures, accusing him of wasting his first 100 days in Downing Street.
Her intervention comes as Chancellor John Healey prepares to deliver his Budget to the House of Commons on Wednesday 28 October.
Blackman is calling for household energy bills to be reduced by at least £300 and for VAT to be temporarily removed from petrol and diesel during the fuel price crisis.
The SNP estimates that the combined measures could save households in Scotland around £500, although actual savings would depend on individual energy consumption, fuel use and how the reductions were implemented.
The party argues that existing Government announcements have failed to address the scale of rising costs, particularly as households prepare for another expensive winter.
It points to forecasts suggesting energy bills could increase by a further 25% in January, alongside concerns about borrowing costs and continuing pressure on food and fuel prices.
The SNP has also highlighted September’s reported inflation rate of 3.5%, arguing that households are still experiencing significant financial pressure despite Government promises of relief.
Blackman said:
“Andy Burnham is fiddling while Brexit Britain burns.
“The Prime Minister has wasted his first 100 days, spending more time showboating on TikTok and Gogglebox than delivering meaningful help for hard-pressed families.
“In the face of a cost of living emergency, Andy Burnham has broken his promise to cut bills and is insulting voters with miniscule announcements that won’t scratch the surface.
“The fact is, every major household bill has risen under Burnham.
“He is treating voters like fools by pretending he is delivering ‘breathing space’ when energy bills will soon be more than £1000 higher than the Labour Party promised, mortgage rates are up at 6%, and price of petrol, diesel, food and shopping has gone through the roof on his watch.
“Good vibes won’t pay the bills this winter and the reality is many families are thousands of pounds worse off since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
“At the UK budget today, the Chancellor must finally deliver meaningful help for the majority of households by cutting energy bills by at least £300 and by removing VAT from petrol and diesel for the remainder of the fuel price crisis.
“It could save households in Scotland £500 as prices soar under the Labour government.
“Scotland is an energy-rich country and it is only because of Westminster failure that we are being forced to pay some of the highest bills in Europe.
“It shows exactly why we need the full powers of independence so we can lower bills and build a better future.”
The UK Government says it recognises the pressure facing households and points to measures already announced, including removing VAT from electricity bills, extending the existing 5p fuel duty reduction and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.
Ministers have also argued that international conflicts have contributed to higher prices and that the Budget must balance immediate support with the need to manage public finances.
For households across the Highlands and Islands, where longer journeys and reliance on heating oil can add to living costs, decisions on fuel and energy taxation will be particularly relevant.
The Chancellor is expected to begin his Budget statement at approximately 12.30pm, when the Government’s full proposals for taxation, spending and household support will be set out.
