Energy price hikes 'will hit poor hardest'

SCOTLAND'S poorest will be hit hardest by the latest rise in energy prices, Citizens Advice chiefs warned today.

British Gas is putting up domestic gas prices by an average of 18 per cent and electricity prices by an average of 16 per cent from August 18.

The company said it had to raise its prices in response to a 30 per cent hike in wholesale prices since last winter.

But Lucy McTernan, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: "Increases like these affect everyone, but they have a disproportionate impact on those on the lowest incomes. Once again the poorest will be hit hardest of all.

"Many CAB clients have had to get into debt to pay their bills. Others have had to make a choice between paying their fuel bills or putting food on the table for themselves and their children. That is surely unacceptable for our society today."