Ministers look into cheaper fuel tariff for vulnerable customers

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of consumer body Advice Direct Scotland, which has been campaigning for a UK-wide social energy scheme, said it was “very encouraging that energy suppliers are willing to get around the table and help design a workable social tariff”.

Mr Bartlett added: “To be truly effective, struggling households should automatically be placed on the cheapest energy deal through an opt-out system, so they do not have to take any action to benefit.”

David Southgate, policy manager at the disability equality charity Scope, also welcomed the creation of the Scottish government working group as a “positive step”.

He said: “The devil will be in the detail, and everyone around the table in these discussions must make sure the voices of disabled people are heard.

“At the very least the Scottish government and suppliers must work to ensure disability benefits, like Adult Disability Payment, are included in eligibility criteria.”

He added: “We hope the UK government will use this example to do the right thing and implement a nationwide social tariff as soon as possible.”