Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has called on the Scottish Government to pass on the Chancellor's £100 energy bill payment to households. The payment was announced by John Healey in his first Budget on Wednesday.
Households in council tax bands A to D will receive the money, with Mr Healey telling the Commons that the devolved nations will receive “their share”. The exact amount of funding coming to Scotland from the policy has not been confirmed, but the Scotland Office has said the Budget will result in a £600 million boost to the Scottish Government's coffers.
Marra's call for pass-on
Reacting to the Budget, Mr Marra said: “Over 1.8 million households in Scotland would be eligible for the household energy payment if the SNP passes it on.”
“That money should be used to give Scots breathing space, not to plug holes in the Scottish Government budget,” he added.
Budget benefits for Scotland
Mr Marra, who was in London this week for meetings with the Chancellor and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “Millions of Scots will benefit from Labour action on the cost of living such as the warm homes discount, scrapping VAT on energy bills and scrapping the standard charge on gas.”
“This Budget backs industry, particularly in defence and energy, and I want to see the Scottish Government work to ensure Scotland can grab the opportunities that brings,” he said.
“It means more money for Scottish public services. As a result of the Budget today, there will be a further £600 million coming to the Scottish Government.”
“Since the election in 2024, the Scottish Government has received more than £18 billion in additional funding to spend on public services,” Mr Marra added.
“I want to work with the SNP to ensure this funding will deliver better outcomes from Scots, cutting waiting times in our NHS, raising attainment in our schools, lifting children out of poverty and growing our economy.”
Secretary's response
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “This is a Budget that puts money back in the pockets of Scottish households, backs businesses and puts Scotland firmly at the heart of the UK Government’s plan for growth and reindustrialisation.”
He added: “There’s a boost for Scotland’s public services too, with an extra £600 million for the Scottish Government to spend.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the Budget was “missing a real growth plan with Europe at its heart”.
