ENERGY price hikes will come as a "bitter blow" for families in Clacks, according to the area's MP.

Following the 54 per cent rise in the energy price cap by Ofgem, Clacks MP John Nicolson has written to the UK secretary for business, energy and industrial strategy to "look again" at the issue and introduce an emergency package of support for people.

He added: "The energy price hikes announced by the UK Government will be a bitter financial blow to families all across Scotland. And yet, we have been, and remain, a country rich in natural resources.

"I think we all remember that Labour and Tory politicians promised us that energy prices would go down, not up, if we voted against independence.

"As with so many other promises they made, Scotland has been badly let down by Westminster.

"It's time Scotland chose a different path."

Responding, the UK government explained funding has been given to the Scottish Government to cut the cost of living for people in Scotland.

A UK Government spokesperson said: "The UK Government will continue to support families in Scotland, as we have done throughout the pandemic.

"The range of measures we have put in place will help manage the cost of rising energy bills, including the £200 discount on fuel bills, the Warm Homes Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payment.

"The Scottish Government will also receive an extra £290million funding, which they can use to help cut the cost of living for people in Scotland.

"This extra funding comes on top of a record block grant to the Scottish Government of £41billion a year for the next three years.

"This gives the Scottish Government the ability to invest in services for people in Scotland."