MP’s anger at 100 per cent bills rise in Renfrewshire
A BBC report has revealed that big regional divides in standing charges on electricity bills will see customers in Renfrewshire pay some of the highest charges in the UK.
Consumers in Renfrewshire – classed as south Scotland for the purposes of the report – and the rest of the south of Scotland face a 100 per cent increase.
The price per day in south Scotland for a single rate electricity meter from next month will increase from 24p to 47p.
With the exception of south west England, Scotland already pays the highest standing electricity charges in the UK.
Meanwhile, London’s standing charges will remain the lowest in the UK at over 30 per cent less than the Scottish average and with the lowest increase anywhere at just 8p – compared to Renfrewshire’s 23p increase.
Campaigners, such as Energy Action Scotland, have outlined their concerns at the cost of living as fuel poverty rates are forecast to hit over 50 per cent in some parts of Scotland.
The figures were condemned as “outrageous”by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, Gavin Newlands.
The SNP politician said:“Millions of families in Scotland already face a devastating blow to incomes as the Tory cost of living crisis spirals out of control, with energy and food costs rising higher and higher, and we unfairly pay the highest grid charges in Europe.
“Now we are set to be hit hardest by a rise in standard charges for electricity bills.
“But, instead of following the example of other countries across Europe and taking meaningful action to support people in Scotland and across the UK with the rising cost of living, the UK Government has delayed its energy strategy again and missed the opportunity to support millions in its Spring Statement.
“It is outrageous that households in a country like Scotland with some of the richest sources of energy in the world are being saddled with extortionate charges on our electric bills, while London is treated to the cheapest rates anywhere.”