Rural communities across Scotland have been left facing rising energy costs and limited support, according to SNP MP Graham Leadbitter following the Chancellor’s latest response to the energy crisis.
The Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP said off grid households are under particular pressure, with many relying on heating oil and alternative energy sources.
Figures show around 44% of homes in his constituency depend on off grid heating, compared to a Scottish average of 19% and 15% across the UK mainland.
The issue has been raised at Westminster after SNP MPs representing rural areas called for increased support for households facing sharply rising costs.
Concerns have also been raised that a £4.6 million UK Government fund would equate to around £35 per household, a figure described as insufficient given the scale of rising bills.
Forecasts suggest energy costs could increase by £332 a year from July, taking average annual bills to £1,973.
That would leave households paying significantly more than when the current government took office and well above levels previously indicated.
The Scottish Government has announced additional support for households reliant on oil heating, with a £5.4 million scheme set to launch on 1st of April.
The funding is intended to provide targeted support for lower income households as energy pressures continue.
Graham Leadbitter MP said:
“Once again rural Scotland has been cast aside by an exploitative Westminster system that’s only interested in Scotland’s energy when the revenue from it is flowing south.
“It’s snowing in my constituency this week in places like Aviemore, and yet Westminster expects households there to heat their homes with a paltry £35 offering despite their bills more than doubling.
“I’ve spoken to a constituent whose energy costs have risen by almost £2,000 since November, the amount coughed up by the UK government will barely touch the sides of their bill.
“In stark contrast, despite having no responsibility to, the SNP Scottish Government stepped in to more than double the amount of support available to households struggling through this cost of energy crisis.
“With the limited powers of devolution the SNP is showing what can be done when power resides in the hands of a government that actually cares about, and understands the communities it represents.
“Labour promised to drastically cut energy bills, but whether you’re on or off the grid your bills have risen astronomically since they took office in 2024, and you’re far worse off than they promised you’d be.
“It’s no wonder more and more people are realising that Scotland’s future would be better served by independence, where we can cut energy bills for good and use our vast energy wealth to work for our communities.”
The issue highlights the continued pressure on rural households, where reliance on alternative energy sources can make rising costs more acute.
With further increases expected, calls for additional support and long term solutions are continuing to grow.
