Eight in ten Scots worried about energy bill rises

More than eight in ten adults are concerned about the looming hike in energy bills, according to a survey commissioned by Citizens Advice Scotland.

Nearly half of respondents (49 per cent) admitted to being “very concerned” about the impacts of the increase on their household budgets, while 35 per cent said they were “fairly concerned”.

Earlier this month, energy regulator Ofgem announced it would increase the cap on prices from 1 April, impacting around 22 million people across the UK.

Default tariffs will increase by £693 to £1,971 per year.

Both the UK and Scottish governments have announced steps to support households, but there are concerns this will not be enough for the hardest hit.

CAS fair markets spokesperson Kate Morrison said: “Most people will still be facing bills of around £350 a year more even if the support schemes reach everyone effectively, clearly for many that simply remains too much and as this is an average figure for some it could be much higher.

“This cost of living crisis threatens to squeeze household budgets to breaking point, and bluntly the scale of support from policymakers isn’t going to help enough.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will provide loans of £200 to consumers to bring upfront costs down.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes confirmed people living in houses in council tax bands A-D will receive a payment of £150, either directly or through credit.