Swinney outlines plans for £300 of energy support for islanders

A re-elected SNP government at Holyrood would give eligible islanders £300 towards their energy bills this winter, John Swinney has said.

The First Minister announced the £16 million proposal while visiting the Western Isles on Thursday, along with £10,000 of support for young people looking to build a home on the islands as a primary residence in a bid to tackle declining populations.

A further £75 million would be invested in island housing, including £25 million for councils to identify affordable housing for key workers.

The pledge, he said, is “part of recognising the steps that have got to be taken to protect householders from the cost of energy”.

Scotland’s islanders generally suffer from greater fuel poverty than their mainland counterparts, and asked what he would say to someone who feels islanders are getting special treatment, Mr Swinney said: “What we’ve got to address is the acute challenges in the islands that exist compared to mainland Scotland and the overwhelming responsibility here is the responsibility of the UK Government.

“We have a situation in Scotland where we’re living in an energy rich country, but the benefits are not being felt by the people of this country because of decisions taken in Westminster.

“That can be sorted out for everybody in Scotland – whether they live on an island or the mainland – by the UK Government acting to make sure that energy costs are lower.

“If the UK Government won’t take the dramatic action that’s required now, they should get out of the way and allow an SNP Scottish government to take the action.”

Downing Street pointed to changes which came into force last week as proof of action being taken to quell the increase in the cost of living, including a rise to the living wage and minimum wage and the drop in the energy price cap by 7%.

Mr Swinney’s announcement came as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pledged his party would bring in a £100 million package of support for people struggling with fuel bills.

A Scottish Labour government would bulk-buy fuel to help drive down the prices for motorists at the pumps, he said.

Crisis loans would be made available for energy-intensive businesses to help protect jobs, with emergency grants or interest-free loans used to help households that are struggling.

Mr Sarwar also said if he is Scotland’s next first minister, his government will convene a special summit with supermarkets and others to help drive down the cost of key items.