Scottish Labour government will act to make life more affordable, says Sarwar

Mr Sarwar said families are “dealing with high bills and serious anxiety as a result of the turmoil in the international energy markets”.

Scottish Labour has pledged to use the powers of the Scottish Parliament to:
– Protect support for those relying on heating oil.

Mr Sarwar said: “Families across Scotland are dealing with high bills and serious anxiety as a result of the turmoil in the international energy markets.

“ People in rural communities who rely on heating oil have seen painful increases in their energy costs.

“Every level of government must work together to tackle this crisis and it is right that the UK has acted to support people – providing direct support for those using heating oil, investigating rip-off charges, maintaining the energy price gap and pledging to further support for those who need it most.

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“We will ease the pressure on people in rural communities and older people.

“In May, Scotland can vote for change by electing a Scottish Labour government that will get the basics right and deliver a better future for Scotland.”
But Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNP candidate for Dunfermline and Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary, said Labour had “zero credibility on energy bills”.

“Just how short do Scottish Labour think our memories are?” she said.

“Anas Sarwar was the man who stood side by side with Keir Starmer when they promised to cut energy bills by £300 at the Westminster general election less than two years ago – energy bills are now likely to be £700 higher because of Labour’s broken promise.

“For Anas Sarwar to now tell people in energy rich Scotland the Labour Party will lower their heating bills is quite frankly galling, it’s no wonder people think he is a complete chancer.

“ The Labour Party has zero credibility on energy bills and when it comes to promises, people in Scotland have heard it all before.

“Under John Swinney’s leadership we offer the best cost of living support package on these islands, but through a fresh start with independence we will use our energy wealth to lower energy bills and build a fairer and wealthier Scotland anew – only a vote for the SNP can secure that future.”