To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding action to address the impact in Scotland of the rising energy price cap, which will increase by 10 per cent in October. (S6O-03768)

The news that energy prices are to rise by 10 per cent next month is of deep concern. Following its extremely disappointing cut to the winter fuel payment, we encourage the new UK Government to do more to increase take-up of pension credit and we will engage with it again ahead of the budget. Meanwhile, we are forming a working group with key energy suppliers, which is aimed at co-designing a social energy tariff that would provide more affordable energy tariffs to those who are in most need. We continue to urge the UK Government to introduce such a mechanism.

I am very concerned for my constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw, many of whom are the most vulnerable customers, who suffer from higher tariffs and practices that penalise the most vulnerable in our constituencies, such as debt being put on the meters. I welcome the working group and look forward to further detail on it. Will the minister join me in reminding people to submit or photograph their meter readings before 1 October, so that they will not be unduly penalised by “mistakes” from fuel companies?

I am happy to echo the important reminder that Clare Adamson has just given about meter readings and to take on board the other points that she has made. The increased bills demonstrate why the UK Government must urgently agree to deliver a social tariff. We are already committed to working with the UK Government to make that a reality.

The core purpose of our working group is to enable industry and Government to develop a shared understanding, beyond the broad principles of how to deliver this crucial policy. Clare Adamson can join me in saying to anyone who has any pressing concerns about their energy bill that help is available if they contact the Scottish Government-funded Advice Direct Scotland.