EMMA RODDICK: ‘It is hard to imagine how much worse things can get’ as Labour leaves over 800,000 pensioners with less money to stay warm in the winter
Since writing my last column, the political landscape has changed a bit, and we now have a Labour Government in Westminster. However, only a few months after the election, there is no sign of the change that was promised during the campaign, with Keir Starmer now warning that things can only get worse.
It is hard to imagine how much worse things can get, with one of Labour’s very first decisions in government being to scrap winter fuel payments, leaving over 800,000 pensioners with less money than they expected to stay warm in the winter. On top of this, the very same energy bills that the Labour Party promised to reduce are about to skyrocket, with prices rising by £149 this month.
Be in no doubt that these decisions will disproportionately impact the Highlands and Islands, where we experience much harsher winters and have much higher levels of fuel poverty than the rest of the country. Too many folk in my region already feel they need to turn off the heating and go cold to save money as a result of years of Westminster-imposed austerity.
I was glad to raise the issue of energy costs directly with the First Minister in parliament last week and stress the urgent need for a social tariff. We live in an energy-rich region, yet so many folk are dreading this winter, even more so than the last. It is about time that communities in the Highlands benefit from our resources. I was, therefore, glad to hear that the Scottish Government will be undertaking work to co-design a social tariff.
In addition to energy prices, I know that housing remains a huge challenge in the Highlands, so, I was glad to join the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee shortly before summer recess. The most significant piece of legislation that we are currently working on is the upcoming Housing Bill.
Housing is an issue extremely close to my heart, having experienced homelessness when I was younger. This personal connection fuels my commitment to making things better in future, which is why I believe that the policymaking process needs more voices like mine; voices that bring lived experiences to the table. I am eager to contribute to the Housing Bill and work towards ensuring that every Highlander has a place to call home.
While it is increasingly clear that there will not be much real change coming from Westminster, the SNP remains committed to creating a better, fairer, and more prosperous Scotland. If you are currently struggling, please know that my office and I stand ready to support you. You can get in touch at any time by emailing emma.roddick.msp@parliament.scot or calling 01463 563036.
