Cauld Lang Syne

Millions face an unhappy new year as charities urge Labour to bring back heating support for households

- DAN VEVERS

LABOUR has been urged to slash energy costs and reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment as Scots face another "devastating" price cap hike on New Year's Day.

Campaigners hit out at the second bills spike this winter, with a further £21 added to average annual utilities costs.

It follows Ofgem's price cap soaring by 10 per cent in October, adding £149 to the average household bill.

The SNP warned some pensioners could be up to £600 worse off this winter due to the end of universal winter fuel payments and the loss of other benefits.

From January 1, a typical household will pay £1738 a year for energy £170 more than it was before October - with bills now more than 50 per cent higher than pre-Covid times.

Energy bills have skyrocketed due to the war in Ukraine and the resultant gas price shock, sparking a cost-of-living crisis.