Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry to host a roundtable on the cost of energy crisis – he is set meet support organisations, elected representatives, housing associations, and the Citizens Advice Bureau early next week
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Highland MP Drew Hendry is set to host a roundtable discussion with the local organisations on the cost of energy crisis facing local families.
He is set to meet support organisations, elected representatives, housing associations, and the Citizens Advice Bureau early next week in Inverness.
The organisations will come together to discuss the energy and cost of living crisis to see what they can do locally to try and help people and point them in the direction of available help.
The latest research from the University of York shows that more than 50 per cent of households will be in fuel poverty by early 2023, meaning over 10 per cent of household income will be spent on energy costs.
This roundtable seeks to discuss the issues local people are facing now, those they will face over the coming months, and how they can be helped locally.
Discussions will centre on the planned cost of living payments as proposed by the UK Government but will also focus on what assistance is available locally and how it can be accessed.
It is crucial that individuals and families across the Highlands get the support they need this winter as the reality is that too many families will need to choose between heating or eating or paying their energy bills over rent this coming winter.
Mr Hendry, the MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said: “With the latest reports, showing the average yearly energy bill in January 2023 could reach over £4260, families across the constituency will be worried about how they are going to afford to pay for this.
“This is an almost four-fold increase on energy costs from winter 2021/22 and comes at a time when Uswitch suggests many customers are already behind on energy payments, with total debts owed now three times higher than a year ago.
“We also know that due to the general energy mix in the Highlands and people’s reliance on alternative heating methods and private transport it is imperative that we have a local plan in place suitable for the local challenges people will face here in the Highlands.
“My team and I stand ready to assist those with any concerns they have over the cost-of-living crisis and I hope that this team Highland approach will mean those who are most in need of assistance can get access to the help they need as quickly and simply as possible.
“While I recognise the financial support so far announced by the UK Government, it is increasingly clear that this pales in comparison to what is needed. At present, amid the Liz and Sunak sideshow, the UK Government is not working for individuals and families in the Highlands and Scotland, and the Scottish Government must be given the powers to help folk if the UK Government isn’t willing to do so.”
