Consumer Scotland has commented on a range of measures announced by the Chancellor to support consumers with their energy costs and energy debt.
The UK Government is to extend the VAT cut on electricity through the winter and spring to July.
Households in council tax bands A-D in England will receive a £100 household energy payment this winter, while the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments will receive a share of this funding.
The UK Government has committed to a strategy to tackle energy debt this year and a one-off targeted debt relief scheme for eligible households launching next year.
Additionally, standing charges will also be removed from household gas bills, offset by higher unit costs for gas.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“Energy support announced today is good news for the many households worried about how rising prices affect their ability to meet their energy needs this winter. However, this will not offset the overall increase in energy bills this winter.
“The Scottish Government has committed to ensuring that households in Scotland will also benefit from the £100 payment for energy bill support.
“We particularly welcome the commitment to an energy debt relief scheme, which we raised with the Chancellor in advance of today’s Budget.
“Removing standing charges from gas bills will bring down costs for some. However, increasing the unit rate for gas will mean some consumers with high essential energy needs, including disabled people, the terminally ill, and some low income families, will end up paying more.
“We will work with the UK Government to represent the interests of consumers in Scotland as it advances its commitment to introduce mitigating measures for high use, low-income households to balance the abolition of the gas standing charge.
“Ultimately, we need joined-up reforms to ensure that energy bills are fair, and support schemes are effectively targeted to reach the households facing the greatest affordability pressures.”