The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to go "much further" in assisting households grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, accusing the Labour government of abandoning the "squeezed middle."
SNP Demands Broader Support
Kirsty Blackman, the SNP's new Westminster economy spokesperson, expressed concerns that the forthcoming package of measures from the Chancellor will not adequately address the needs of most families. She pledged to champion the cause of the squeezed middle and urged Reeves to remove all VAT on fuel for the duration of the current energy crisis, sparked by the conflict in the Middle East.
Blackman also called for the introduction of a new household energy price cap, a move she argued could reduce bills for all households by hundreds of pounds. Her statements come ahead of Thursday's expected announcement of financial assistance from the Chancellor.
Fears Over Limited Scope of Measures
The SNP fears that the planned package will only benefit the very poorest and will not take effect until autumn. Reports indicate that instead of scrapping VAT on fuel, Reeves may opt to pause a planned increase in fuel duty as the Gulf crisis continues to drive up prices.
Blackman criticised the government's approach, describing the "long-delayed package" as a "slap in the face for millions of working people" and evidence that the Labour government is "completely out of touch." She stated: "The Labour Government has abandoned the 'squeezed middle' majority of hard-pressed families, who have seen their bills soar but are getting no help from the Chancellor."
Energy Price Cap Set to Rise
Forecasts suggest that the energy price cap could increase in July, pushing average annual household bills to £1,973. This rise contrasts with Labour's pre-election promise to cut energy bills by £300 per year for UK households.
The SNP insists that the Chancellor must "go much further to help families." Blackman emphasised: "Of course it’s vital that those on the lowest incomes are prioritised and properly supported but the Labour Government seems to have completely forgotten about those in the middle who are also under pressure payday to payday." She reiterated calls for removing VAT on fuel and introducing a new energy price cap.
Scottish Contrast
Blackman noted that in Scotland, families receive the strongest cost-of-living support in the UK due to measures by John Swinney's government, but added that the UK government must "finally step up to the plate and do its bit too."
A UK Government spokesperson responded: "We have the right economic plan to deal with prices rises caused by the war in the Middle East. It’s not our war, we’re not joining it, but we’re not immune to its effects which is why we’re supporting families with the cost of living in a responsible way. That includes taking £117 off household energy bills and increasing the national living wage to give a £900 boost to millions of workers."
