THE SNP have demanded an apology from the Better Together campaign over claims Scotland would have cheaper energy bills staying in the Union, as a charity warned that almost three-quarters of households north of the Border could end up suffering fuel poverty.

Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster leader said the 2014 pro-Union group should say sorry for claiming that voting no would result in paying up to 189 less on energy bills, while independence would see a rise of up to 875 per year.

The call comes after Ofgem announced an increase to the energy price cap, meaning typical yearly bills are rising to 3549 from October – with costs expected to soar even further this winter.

Charity Energy Action Scotland said almost three-quarters of households in Scotland could end up suffering from fuel poverty as a result.

In 2019, it was estimated that one in four households (24.6%) were suffering from fuel poverty – defined as a household having to spend more than 10% of their income on energy after housing costs have been deducted.

Yesterday, UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said things will be “really hard” for middle-earners, as well as society’s most vulnerable. He suggested those earning around 45,000 annually could struggle to cope with soaring living costs.

Blackford said: “Scots deserve an apology from the Better Together campaign – whether that be from [Alistair] Darling, [Gordon] Brown or any other pro-Union party leader – over their utterly false claims on cheaper energy bills.

“In...

Read Full Story: https://www.thenational.scot/news/20800659.better-together-say-sorry-false-ch...