The SNP has reiterated its call for the UK government to reintroduce a £400 energy bill rebate for all households – after more than 10,000 people signed an online petition.
The petition, which currently has over 10,200 signatures, will now force the UK government to respond; something they failed to do when asked by the SNP’s economy spokesperson, Drew Hendry, last month.
Mr Hendry has said the development should act as a “final warning” to the Chancellor and Prime Minister, and that the much-needed support would provide “safety and security” to households this winter.
Leading charity group Citizens Advice have also called on the UK government to expand the Warm Homes Discount this winter, to assist with the record number of people with energy debts.
The organisation stressed that almost eight million people have had to borrow money to pay their energy bills in the first half of 2023, with predictions that this figure will rise in the coming months.
Commenting, Drew Hendry MP said:
“This online petition must act as a final warning to the UK government.
“Households across the UK are crying out for help as the Westminster-made cost of living crisis continues to hammer budgets.
“It is imperative that the Chancellor and Prime Minister heed the warnings and commit to reintroducing a £400 energy bill rebate for all households.
“This would provide the most vulnerable in our society with the safety and security they so desperately need this winter.
“These problems were created by Westminster; it is therefore incumbent on Westminster to fix them.
“Small, independent countries with vast resources like Scotland don’t face the energy problems we do.
“If they can do it, why not Scotland?
“At the next general election, a vote for the SNP is the only way to tackle the Westminster-made cost of living crisis, unlock Scotland’s energy resources, and secure real change for our country through independence.”
