SNP Urges Chancellor to Expand Cost-of-Living Support Measures

The party said a package expected this week should remove all VAT on fuel for the duration of the current energy crisis and introduce a new household energy price cap. The SNP economy spokesperson said the measures could cut bills for all households by hundreds of pounds.

The party expressed concern that the planned package would only assist the lowest-income households and would not begin until autumn.

A UK Government spokesperson said the administration has the right economic plan to address price increases caused by the war in the Middle East. The spokesperson stated that the government is taking £117 off household energy bills and increasing the national living wage to provide a £900 boost to millions of workers.

Forecasts indicate that a rise in the energy price cap in July could increase average annual household bills to £1,973. The SNP noted that bills would be around £700 higher than the £300 annual reduction previously promised by the Labour Party. The party urged the UK Government to provide additional support for middle-income households.