The SNP has criticized the UK government for failing to introduce a social tariff to help low-income and vulnerable people with their energy bills this winter, as the energy crisis worsens.
A social tariff is a discounted rate for electricity and gas, funded by taxation or by spreading the subsidy cost across better-off bill payers. The SNP said that the UK government has ignored repeated calls from charities, campaigners, and MPs to implement a social tariff, which could save households up to £400 a year.
The SNP also said that the UK government has failed to extend the £400 energy rebate that was given to all homes last winter, and has cut the universal credit uplift by £20 a week. The SNP argued that the UK government’s inaction has left millions of people in fuel poverty, which means they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
The SNP cited research by National Energy Action, which estimated that 6.3 million households will be in fuel poverty this winter, up from 4.5 million in October 2021, before the energy crisis began. The SNP also cited research by Age UK, which showed that seven in 10 people over 60 support the idea of a social tariff for low-income households.
The SNP contrasted the UK government’s lack of support with the Scottish government’s actions, such as providing £100 million to help people with their energy bills, and introducing a new social security payment for low-income families with children. The SNP called on the UK government to follow the example of the Scottish government, and to introduce a social tariff as soon as possible.
The SNP also urged the UK government to devolve the powers over energy regulation and social security to the Scottish Parliament, so that Scotland can have more control over its own affairs.
The article also mentioned that a coalition of 140 organizations and MPs has written an open letter to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, calling for a social tariff to be introduced when the government support ends next year. The article also mentioned that some energy suppliers, such as Octopus Energy, E.ON, and EDF, have supported the idea of a social tariff, and have offered their own discounts to some customers.
The article also mentioned that the energy crisis has been caused by a combination of factors, such as low wind output, high gas prices, reduced gas supplies from Russia, and increased demand due to the economic recovery from the pandemic. The article also mentioned that the energy crisis has led to soaring energy bills, supplier failures, and fears of power cuts this winter. The article also mentioned that the government has announced a support package for energy suppliers and consumers, and has urged Russia to increase its gas exports to Europe.
