MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Christine Grahame, has welcomed the news that up to £30 million will be made available through the Fuel Insecurity Fund to help households who are at risk of self-rationing or self-disconnecting their energy use.

The funding will be made available to third sector organisations in the next financial year to support the most vulnerable households in Scotland.

The Scottish Government had previously committed to doubling the Fuel Insecurity Fund, from £10 million to £20 million, but this news sees it tripling.

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Commenting, Christine Grahame MSP said: “At a time of high fuel insecurity, it is vitally important that help is available for those struggling to pay their energy bills.

No one should be forced to face having their energy supply cut off due to their inability to pay.

“It’s very difficult to budget when you don’t know what the cost of energy is going to be.

With many people now on variable contracts or prepayment meters, and the UK Government’s energy support scheme being withdrawn, that’s a real worry.

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“In an energy-rich country like Scotland, we should not have people living in fuel poverty - but that’s the reality of the UK Government’s mismanagement of our economy.

“This money will help support the most vulnerable to keep the lights on, thanks to our SNP Scottish Government.”