Gavin Newlands MP calls for the UK Government to take action on energy prices

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has condemned the announcement from British Gas that they are increasing their prices by 12.5% from September onwards and has called for the UK Government to take action against the spiralling energy costs.

The price rise will affect around 3.1 million customers on the company’s standard variable tariff.

Before the election, the Conservatives promised to cap energy prices, but this policy was left out of the Queen’s Speech in June. Last month, the energy regulator Ofgem proposed a price cap for around 2m vulnerable customers currently getting a poor deal. This stops far short of a price fall to 17m homes, as suggested in the Conservative manifesto.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “This latest price rise from British Gas is just another kick in the teeth for millions of consumers and will especially hit people on poor value tariffs. A third of people in Scotland struggle to afford their electricity and gas bills and a price hike just before the colder months won’t help their situation.

“The Government needs to take action to hold all energy companies accountable and protect everyone on standard variable tariffs, not just the most vulnerable.

“Everyone on standard variable tariff should take this opportunity to find out whether they could get a better deal elsewhere. Switching is simple and can save a lot of money over the year. You can contact the local Citizen Advice Bureau or Home Energy Scotland for advice on how to lower your energy bills.”