Energy price guarantee fails to give voluntary organisations certainty - SCVO

Responding to the UK Government’s announcement of a six-month energy price guarantee for businesses, charities, and public sector organisations, Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said:  

“Today’s announcement of a six-month energy price guarantee is a step forward for voluntary organisations whose energy bills have rocketed in recent months. Unfortunately, the length of the freeze fails to give organisations the certainty they need, and nor will it be enough for many that are still struggling to pay these inflated bills. 

“The cost-of-living crisis goes well beyond energy bills, with rising costs eroding available funding to deliver vital programmes and services. Thousands of voluntary organisations will need targeted support to cope with spiralling costs, particularly those opening their doors to provide food, warmth, and other lifeline support to people in need. There was no news of what additional support will be available.  

“The promise of a three-month review to consider further support to vulnerable sectors must include voluntary organisations, a sector that was already in a vulnerable position before this crisis. More funding from the UK Government to the Scottish Government is essential to support voluntary organisations whose staff and services are being squeezed. 

“We are concerned with the suggestion of households and organisations footing the bill for this energy price guarantee through their bills and taxes for years to come. This will have a damaging impact on charities already struggling to secure funding for day to day running costs before the running costs crisis.”