For immediate release:

UK BUDGET MISSED OPPORTUNITY, SAYS LANARKSHIRE MSP

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has criticised the UK Government’s Spring Budget for “failing the people of Scotland”.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, refused to continue with the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme – meaning households will be hundreds of pounds worse off.

Lower wholesale gas prices are expected to reduce household energy bills from July, with research group Cornwall Insight predicting typical bills will drop to £2,153 from the current average of £2,500.

But in the meantime, households will now be paying £67 more per month. Dependent on whether a household’s energy usage changes, bills may also see a further increase or reduction.

The UK Budget was unveiled on the same day the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast living standards are expected to fall by 6% this financial year.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“This UK Budget is another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to lift families out of poverty, invest in our public services, and help businesses so that our economy can grow.

“The Tories could have followed SNP plans by cutting average bills to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer – which would have saved families £1,400.

“Instead, households will now be paying £67 more per month on energy bills as a result of this axed vital support for families.

“It’s also deeply disappointing that there was no uplift to Universal Credit or legacy benefits. That move alone would have made a meaningful difference to households struggling to make ends meet.

“As ever, the Tory Government is failing the people of Scotland.”

ENDS