SNP call for £400 energy bill rebate and mortgage tax relief
The SNP have called on the UK Chancellor to use his Autumn budget
to deliver cost-of-living support after Citizens Advice revealed
a record number of people requested financial help.
The data showed that the number of people requesting help and
support about cost of living issues last month was a fifth higher
than in October and more than 40% higher than a decade ago.
These new figures have been released the same day that the House
of Commons Work and Pensions select committee has published a
report which highlights that one-off, ad hoc cost of living
payments are insufficient to support the most vulnerable
households.
The report is clear that the payments do not provide a suitable
level of support for people who face additional costs, such as
those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Additionally, the ad hoc nature of the payments make it difficult
for people to budget and often mean that those who fall through
the cracks miss out on huge payments.
The SNP have called on the Chancellor to address the inadequate
levels of cost of living payments coupled with the record number
of households seeking support this winter.
Commenting, the SNP’s Social Justice Spokesperson and member of
the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said:
“The findings of the committee's report mirror the calls that the
SNP have been making for months - highlighting the fact that the
UK government’s cost of living support has been insufficient.
“At the upcoming Autumn statement, the Chancellor must urgently
address these failings whilst also introducing a £400 energy bill
rebate, the reintroduction of mortgage interests tax relief and
take action to bring food prices down.
“The UK government should also transfer powers over energy,
employment, welfare and the economy to the Scottish Parliament.
However, this will simply be a sticking plaster until Scotland
becomes independent - only then can we truly transform the social
security system so that it supports all."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Report: ‘Cost of Living Support Payments’
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/164/work-and-pensions-committee/publications/
Record number of UK households seek help with cost-of-living
issues
https://www.ft.com/content/c26926d6-b44f-4a79-8fa1-c3eb58781669
