Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD CALLS ON UK GOVERNMENT TO CUT ENERGY BILLS THIS WINTER

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has urged the UK Government to stop sitting on its hands and commit to cutting energy bills this winter, in light of energy companies announcing record profits while consumers continue to pay sky high bills. 

Later today, Shell is expected to announce second-quarter profits of $5.6 billion, whilst Britain’s biggest household energy supplier, British Gas is expected to report that profits have reached an all-time high of more than £585 million for the first half of the year. These figures coincide with forecasts that winter energy bills for households are set to remain at historically high levels, with estimates from Cornwall Insights that consumers are still facing a 90% hike in their bills this winter compared to 2021.

This week the Irish Government gave a firm commitment that its forthcoming budget would continue to cut energy bills for businesses and households. In contrast, the UK government removed both the Energy Price Guarantee and the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme on 30 June and have given no commitment to support households with their energy bills this coming winter.

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“It’s shameful that the UK Government are allowing energy companies to rake in record profits while struggling households in Moray, who will no doubt find these eye-watering profits galling, are paying historically high prices on their energy bills.

"We know that wholesale energy prices have fallen significantly, but the broken UK energy market means bills this winter will stay around 90% higher compared to 2021 and yet again people in Moray are paying the price because of Westminster control.

“Direct government support was needed last winter and it will be desperately needed this winter too. Instead of withdrawing support from those who need it most, the UK Government should follow the example of the Irish Government who have recommitted to energy support for businesses and households this upcoming winter.

“The failure of Westminster to protect households through this crisis shows exactly why energy rich Scotland needs independence.”