Kate Forbes' budget energy bill plan called a ‘missed opportunity’

Kate Forbes, Scottish Government Finance Secretary, said the £290m coming from the UK government’ council tax rebate plan will also be directed though a council tax scheme.

She said it was “imperfect” but will reach those most in need “quickly and simply" while campaingers are disappoined it "mirrors" the UK government plan and said it was a "missed opportunity".

Forbes announced the plan in the Scottish Budget which was passed in Holyrood with SNP and Green MSPs voting it through.

All households in bands A to D will receive a £150 payment or discount from their council tax bill, as will those in other bands who already qualify for reduced rates.

The Finance Secretary, said: 73% of Scottish households about 1.85 million people would receive the money.

She said: “This is clearly an imperfect scheme.

“It will reach some households who may not need this, but it is the only route we have to make sure we reach those for whom it will make a difference, quickly and simply.

“I know that the cost of living crisis is affecting households who are not in receipt of benefits, who are not claiming a council tax reduction. And they are facing hardship too.”

Anti-poverty campaigners said it was not enough to help those most in need.

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: "People across Scotland are feeling the grip of poverty tighten on their lives, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. So it was deeply disappointing that Kate Forbes' announcement mirrored the UK Government's misguided approach to the cost-of-living crisis.

“While any additional cash into people's pockets is welcome, the measures fail to properly target support at people on the lowest incomes. This was a missed opportunity to protect people living in poverty from the waves of hardship that threaten to overwhelm them, and a missed opportunity to right the wrong approach taken by the UK Government."