Energy / Wishart calls for additional help to keep pensioners warm this winter
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart is calling on the UK Government to double the warm home discount paid to some pensioners to £280 to prevent people from choosing “heating or eating” this winter.
As energy prices get set to dramatically rise over coming months, the Lib Dem politician said that over 22,000 pensioners across Scotland would benefit from such a move.
The warm home discount, funded by energy firms, is due to give people £140 off their electricity bill this winter. It is available to those who receive the ‘Guarantee Credit’ element of pension credit as well as some people on low incomes.
Wishart said that doubling the discount for just over 300 recipients and extending the benefit to 67 on low incomes in Shetland would cost just £61,000.
“The most vulnerable pensioners and families are being pushed into a cost of living crisis. We are seeing rising bills and the slashing of vital support,” she said.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling for an extra £22 million pounds to help people across Scotland cope with soaring bills this winter.
“£61,460 of which would help keep Shetland homes warm this winter. Nobody should have to choose between heating and eating.”
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