Tories warned 'time is running out' to help people with energy bills

THE Tory UK Government have been urged to use the final days before the autumn budget to draw up a comprehensive plan to help struggling families as the winter draws in.

SNP politicians are continuing to push for a £400 energy bill rebate to help people pay their bills, which are still around double what they were in 2021.

They also want to see the Tories reintroduce mortgage interest tax relief, take action to control soaring food prices – as has happened in France – and boost incomes by introducing a Real Living Wage, increasing benefits in line with inflation and matching the Scottish Child payment UK-wide.

The party has also reiterated its calls for the permanent transfer of powers across the Border over energy, employment, welfare and the economy.

Drew Hendry, the SNP’s economy spokesperson, has said this is "the last chance to protect families from yet another winter of financial pain - and the last chance saloon for Rishi Sunak".

He said: "Time is running out for the Tory government to finally help families with the soaring cost of living, which is the devastating result of years of Westminster failure. "The autumn budget is the last chance to protect families from yet another winter of financial pain - and it's the last chance saloon for Rishi Sunak, who will soon be out of a job.

"The SNP Scottish Government is saving families thousands of pounds by freezing council tax and delivering progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment - the UK Government must follow Scotland's lead and deliver a major package of financial support before it's too late. "By repeatedly failing to act, Westminster is showing why Scotland urgently needs the full powers of independence so we can grow the economy and boost household incomes.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (above) will deliver the Autumn Statement in the House of Commons on November 22.

He will update MPs on the UK’s finances and the Government’s tax and public spending plans based on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility – which will present its own assessment of Hunt’s plans to Parliament.

A petition calling for a £400 energy bill rebate was signed by more than 10,000 people last month, while Citizens Advice has called for the UK Government to expand the Warm Homes Discount this winter.

Around 28 million households across the UK received a £66/£67 monthly discount on their energy bills between October 2022 and March 2023 under the scheme last winter.

Ofgem lowered the price cap from £2074 per year to £1923 on October 1, but the daily standing charges have gone up from 82p per day to 83p per day for gas and electricity, meaning most people will not feel any real benefit.