First Minister and SNP Leader John Swinney revealed the SNP manifesto will set out plans for a social tariff to drive down energy, broadband and mobile bills for the most hard pressed consumers – delivering discounted bills for people who are on a low income, are disabled or elderly.
Campaigning in the Western Isles for SNP candidate, Susan Thomson, Mr Swinney said the social tariff would be funded from a combination of general taxation and by top slicing the profits of energy companies.
John Swinney said: “We believe that there are certain things that every citizen should have access to as a right. Healthcare free at the point of need, a social security safety net, pensions for older people, and free education including free university tuition.
“But it is time that we recognised that these rights need to go further, to reflect the realities of the modern world.
“Energy is the perfect example. The whole country has been hammered by high fuel bills. And in the Western Isles, we have the worst fuel poverty levels in Scotland.
“The UK Government has the powers over fuel bills and we need to see real action
- so our manifesto will confirm the SNP’s plans to extend the safety net to fuel.
“That should be done through the introduction of a ‘social tariff’ for energy bills – that means that if you are on a low income, disabled or elderly, you get discounted fuel bills.
“Campaigners have backed a half-price tariff and that seems like a good start to
us.
“And we believe the costs should be met from a combination of general taxation and by top slicing the profits of energy companies making massive amounts of money at the expense of ordinary people.
“That simple measure would make a massive impact in places like Stornoway – but the principle should apply to more than just energy.
“Connectivity – fast broadband and good mobile phone connections – are critical to modern life. In fact, in rural Scotland and the Isles, it is critical to the whole future of the economy.
“As more and more people work from home at least part of the week, often you literally
cannot do your job without a decent internet connection. That’s why, to help people
get jobs, keep jobs and keep more of their hard-earned cash, there should be a social
tariff for broadband and mobile charges too.
“That’s just a preview of our manifesto. It is one that takes the traditional left-of-centre
politics of our country and applies it to the challenges we face now, in the modern
world.”
Introducing Mr Swinney to activists this morning in Stornoway, Susan Thomson, SNP
candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, said, “It's great to welcome the First Minister
here to Na h-Eileanan an Iar and show how our islands have not only great scenery
but wonderful people and enterprises too.”
She continued, "Our plans for a social tariff on energy, broadband mobile bills will
ensure that communities like our own are not exploited for their resources with little
local benefit. If elected, I will be relentless in pushing for a better deal for
islanders to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
"But this issue demonstrates why it is only with independence that we can have full control over our resources. We should not have to go cap in hand to Westminster so that families from the Butt to Barra can afford to put on their heating. That is the price of the union offered by the Westminster parties.”
She concluded: “We already have the resources, we just need the power. On the 4th of July, vote SNP to ensure that decisions affecting Scotland are always made in Scotland, for Scotland.”
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, welcomed the need for a social energy tariff moving up the political agenda with just over two weeks until voters go to the polls.
He believes it is the “best way of fixing the UK’s broken energy market.”
“In the wake of a winter which has once again seen millions of people struggling to afford to heat their homes, it is time for concrete action.
“Whichever party wins on July 4, the next UK Government must get around the table with energy suppliers and work out a policy that could be in place before temperatures start to fall again.
“The energy crisis is far from over, with households across the UK building up record levels of debt and still facing much higher costs for gas and electricity than a few years ago.
“Among those who would benefit from a social energy tariff are people with illnesses
and disabilities who rely on life-saving electrical equipment to stay alive.”
SNP proposes social tariff to help low income households with discounted energy, broadband and mobile bills
17 June 2024
