Treasury urged to do more to help vulnerable energy users - 05/01/2012
One MP has called on the government to use tax revenues to help people get cheap energy prices.
Dr Eilidh Whiteford, work and pensions spokeswoman for the Scottish National Party, noted the Treasury has collected £1.4 billion in VAT on domestic gas and electricity bills in the last year.
It was estimated that price increases implemented by the Big Six energy suppliers over the summer could add another £150 million to this total, which Dr Whiteford said should be used to help vulnerable people meet their bills.
She added: "It is high time that the UK government used some of this windfall to tackle fuel poverty."
The politician added it is a "disgrace" that the problem is so prevalent in Scotland, which has an abundance of energy resources.
Earlier this week, Dr Whiteford also stated the government's policy to encourage people to switch energy provider to get a better deal is not working, as the number of individuals doing this has fallen over the last two years.
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