Anas Sarwar has declared that a Scottish Labour government would prioritise making life more affordable for families across Scotland by implementing measures to upgrade homes and reduce energy bills. Speaking on Sunday 29 March 2026, Sarwar emphasised the urgent need to address the financial strain caused by high costs and anxiety stemming from turmoil in international energy markets.
Comprehensive Plan for Energy Efficiency
Scottish Labour has committed to utilising the existing powers of the Scottish Parliament to launch a series of initiatives aimed at alleviating the burden on households. The party's strategy focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and expanding financial support to ensure no one is left behind.
Key Measures Outlined by Scottish Labour
- Increase uptake of the Warm Home Discount to prevent Scots from missing out on the £150 payment, ensuring more families receive crucial financial relief.
- Establish a national warm homes programme to assist people in upgrading their properties, resulting in warmer living spaces and significantly lower energy bills over time.
- Broaden eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scotland grant, specifically targeting older residents, which would make an additional 3,000 homes eligible for improvements.
- Provide an extra £500 per eligible household for rural homeowners investing in energy-saving measures, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these communities.
- Maintain and protect support systems for individuals relying on heating oil, who have experienced sharp increases in energy costs.
Sarwar criticised the current SNP administration, led by John Swinney, for what he described as a failure to ensure Scots receive adequate support. He argued that the SNP's inadequate efforts to upgrade Scottish homes have left many with colder properties and higher bills, exacerbating financial difficulties during a cost-of-living crisis.
Political Clash Over Energy Credibility
In response, Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNP candidate for Dunfermline and Scotland's Social Justice Secretary, launched a sharp rebuttal, accusing Labour of having zero credibility on energy bills. Somerville pointed to previous promises made by Sarwar and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer to cut energy bills by £300, noting that bills have since risen by approximately £700, labelling this a broken promise.
Somerville asserted that under Swinney's leadership, the SNP offers the best cost-of-living support package in the UK, but emphasised that true change would come through independence. She argued that only by voting for the SNP can Scotland leverage its energy wealth to lower bills and build a fairer, wealthier nation.
Sarwar's Vision for Change
Sarwar countered by highlighting the necessity for all levels of government to collaborate in tackling the energy crisis. He praised UK-level actions, such as direct support for heating oil users and investigations into unfair charges, while stressing that a Scottish Labour government would focus on practical solutions at the devolved level.
He concluded by urging voters to elect a Scottish Labour government in May, promising to ease pressures on rural communities and older people, get the basics right, and deliver a better future for Scotland through affordable living initiatives.
