Ayr's MSP has welcomed new details of a major expansion of this year’s Fuel Insecurity Fund which looks to further support families in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon with their energy bills.

SNP MSP Siobhian Brown spoke out as the fund is tripling to £30 million this year, while households could also benefit through the Scottish Government’s allocation of £9 million to enable Advice Direct Scotland to administer Home Heating Support Fund grants to those struggling with the rapid increase in energy prices.

Some £8.5 million will also be allocated to the Fuel Bank Foundation to support over 85,000 households, including those with prepayment meters and at risk of imminent disconnection, and £7.25 million will be directed to enable the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to provide more than 55,000 households across Scotland with advice, support with bills and energy-saving items.

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Commenting, Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown said: “Families in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon are still paying the price of this Conservative cost-of-living crisis, and these new funding commitments show just how this SNP Government is stepping up for people, who are tired of being ignored by Westminster parties.

“Where Westminster is failing to deliver, the SNP is bending over backwards to mitigate their cruel austerity measures  – but while the key policy levers remain in the hands of the Tories, the Scottish Government will always be taking action with one hand behind its back.

“For as long as we’re tied to this broken union, people across Scotland will continue to suffer the consequences of Westminster control because the Scottish Government can only go so far in its support - but with the powers of independence we can take back the powers to deliver real, sustained change for Scotland’s communities.”