MACNEIL COMMENTS ON LATEST ENERGY PRICE INCREASES

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus Brendan MacNeil has expressed concern after Scottish and Southern Energy announced plans to increase domestic gas and electricity prices by an average of 9% from 15^th October.

Mr MacNeil said:

“The Western Isles has one of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the UK, many families worry about how they are going to pay their winter fuel bills and these price rises will be a huge blow to households.

“The last thing people need is another round of price hikes from the big six companies, just before the worst of the winter weather kicks in. There is a limit to how much people can keep absorbing massive energy price rises like this.

“It’s time for the UK Government to step in and take serious action. Rising fuel bills means increased VAT payments for the Treasury. This extra cash must be used to tackle fuel poverty.

“It’s unacceptable that fuel poverty is on the rise in an energy plenty nation like Scotland. The energy market clearly is not working for the consumer and there is now an overwhelming case for an investigation into how the major energy market is operating.”

ENDS