Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has responded to the Chancellor’s comments this morning on potential support for people struggling with energy bills. 

Molly Shevlin, CAS energy spokesperson said, 

“The reduction in the energy price cap from today will be positive news for some, but it provides only temporary respite. Temporary lower costs now are cold comfort to people who have been struggling for years and are facing a potentially devastating surge in prices come July and beyond. 

“The Chancellor has said that any support would be targeted to those on low incomes, but this needs to go beyond that. 

“Disabled people, as well as those in remote and rural communities, face unaffordable energy costs due to unavoidably high usage and are experiencing real harm as a result. They too need support. 

“And that support also needs to be ongoing, not just one-off and reactive. Lasting, impactful solutions are needed, like a social tariff on energy bills and a comprehensive energy debt write-off scheme.  

“Affordable energy is not a luxury; it is an essential part of the decent, dignified standard of living that we all deserve.” 

ENDS