SNP demand action over soaring household bills

The SNP today called for a fair deal for Fifers as Glenrothes by-election candidate Peter Grant and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined shoppers in Glenrothes to beat the credit crunch.

Over the last year the price of bread has increased by at least 33%,
eggs by 20% and milk by at least 26% hitting families pockets and
putting pressure on households and businesses alike.

Speaking from the Lidl Supermarket in Glenrothes Cllr Grant said:

"Across Scotland families are feeling the pinch as food and fuel bills
go through the roof. More and more people are being forced to cut back
or look out for a good bargain to help make ends meet.

"This campaign is truly being fought on bread and butter issues.

"With domestic energy prices up 40%, fuel at over £1 a litre and the
price of everyday essentials like bread and milk increasing by over
25% it is becoming harder and harder to balance family budgets.

"I don't know when Gordon Brown last visited a supermarket, but the
message from shoppers in Glenrothes is that they have had enough.

"Voters in Glenrothes realize that this by-election gives them the
opportunity to take action to help bring down rising prices and put
money back in people's pockets. A vote for the SNP will send that
message to Gordon Brown that he needs to take real action to cut
energy bills this winter and to bring fuel prices back down.

SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon added:

"The Scottish Government has taken practical steps by freezing the
council tax, reducing prescription charges and business rates and
scrapping the tolls on the Forth and Tay Bridges to put more money
back in people's pockets.

"With energy prices continuing to rise and no action from Gordon Brown
to deliver lower bills this winter balancing the family budget is
becoming harder and harder.

"Last week the SNP launched a petition in Glenrothes for lower energy
prices. Growing support for the SNP in Glenrothes shows local people
know the SNP is on their side. It's time Labour listened and took
action to offer a Fair Deal for Fifers."