Lib Dems seek backing for 'Robin Hood' tax to assist those facing fuel poverty

They have said that the tax could be used to raise money to support local families facing soaring energy costs.

The party has said that proposed one-off levy could raise over £5 billion to help support families in Angus as their energy bills sky-rocket and that it could fund a substantial package of emergency support to help thousands of people facing higher bills.

This would include doubling the Warm Homes Discount and extending it to all those receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit, giving 12,356 households in Angus £300 each off their heating bills this year. The party is also calling for the winter fuel allowance to be doubled, benefitting 17,140 pensioners in the area and helping them keep their homes warm. On top of this, funding would be spent on helping people insulate their homes to slash heating bills in the long term.

Rod Falconer, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Arbroath West, Letham & Friockheim, said: “It can’t be right that a few energy firms are making millions from record gas prices while people can’t even afford to heat their homes. A one-off Robin Hood tax on gas and oil bosses would provide vital funding to support families in our area who are facing crippling energy price hikes.

"For years the Conservatives have ignored this problem and failed to take the bold action we need to reduce fuel poverty.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​