John Swinney has pledged a social tariff on energy, broadband and telecoms in the SNP's general election manifesto.
The party has so far opposed a windfall tax on North Sea oil and Gas companies, saying it could cost up to 100,000 jobs.He said: "What our manifesto will argue for is the establishment of a social tariff on fuel costs, funded by general taxation and also an obligation on the energy companies. "So at the heart of our manifesto will be that commitment that we will argue for the delivery of a social tariff, funded by general taxation and by the power companies, which will reduce the costs for those who are vulnerable in our society and give them a material contribution to reducing the cost of living.
Join our General Election 2024 WhatsApp community You'll receive daily updates and breaking news alerts straight to your mobile phone. Simply click here or scan the QR code above to join. Follow us on X/Twitter and join our Facebook group As well as tweeting regular updates from our daily live blog which you can follow along with, we also have a Record Politics Facebook group where you can join in the discussion.
Swinney compared energy, internet and mobile phone connection to basic utilities like the NHS and schools.