Energy price cap? I’ve Ed that before
ED MILIBAND mocked Theresa May’s conference speech yesterday after she stole his flagship policy as Labour leader.
The Prime Minister pledged to cap energy prices for an extra 12million consumers, saving them an average of £100 a year.
The idea was first floated by Miliband as Labour leader in 2013.
David Cameron, the then prime minister, slated it at the time.
But the proposal appeared in the Conservatives’ June election manifesto.
In a jokey reference to May’s difficult conference speech, Miliband tweeted a reference to the energy cap.
He said: ”Cough... I am sure I have heard this somewhere before.”
The cap is expected to apply to everyone who is currently on a standard variable tariff.
Such rates have been criticised as being more expensive than fixed-term contracts.
Many industry figures remain opposed to the plan. The CBI said it was “not the best answer”.
Meanwhile, May’s flagship housing announcement was branded “a complete con” after it emerged it was equivalent to just 500 new homes in Scotland a year.
She promised £2billion a year to councils and housing associations for affordable housing.
Downing Street aides admitted the money will help create just 5000 extra homes a year.
As housing is devolved to Holyrood, the Scottish Government will be allocated extra funding.
Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “The plans on housing are a complete con.
“The UK Tories have been forced to admit their plan is for just 5000 homes per year. That would mean just 500 for Scotland under the Barnett process.
“That is less than one per cent of what Shelter say is needed.”