CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Scottish courts to introduce an immediate ban on allowing the controversial forcible fitting of electricity prepayment meters.
The Power to the People group has written to the head of the judiciary, Lord Carloway, urging that “clear instructions” be given to Scottish courts to end the approval of warrants which allow the practice to take place.
In England and Wales, Lord Justice Edis issued a direction to magistrates courts that applications should “cease to be listed” – although a supplier can still request one with sufficient evidence – amid concerns hundreds of warrants were being waved through with little scrutiny.
It followed a huge outcry after it was revealed debt agents for British Gas had broken into vulnerable people’s homes to force-fit meters.
In the letter, Power to the People said: “We are concerned that Scotland is now the only part of the United Kingdom in which courts may continue to approve entry warrants for the purposes of force-fitting prepayment meters.”
Campaign spokesperson Coll McCail said: “The situation in Scotland differs from England and Wales – Scotland is the only part of Britain that currently still allows for the forcible fitting of prepayment meters, as far as we know.
“We want an immediate ban on the enforced installation of prepayment meters, but beyond that, I think we would want to look at a broader ban on prepayment meters – they are more expensive, they disproportionately impact vulnerable people and it is a means of allowing for self-disconnection.”
It has been reported that at least 4822 warrants to install prepayment meters were granted in Scotland in the first 10 months of last year.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has set up a working group to review the way that warrants are issued.
A spokesperson for the Judicial Office for Scotland said no utility warrants were considered in bulk and each warrant application is considered separately based on “individual facts and circumstances” and taking into account “relevant statutory tests”.
“Guidance is also in place for Justices of the Peace which sets out the steps in the process which should be followed when an application is being considered,” the spokesperson said.
“These measures aim to safeguard the vulnerability of the domestic customer and that any action taken is proportionate. Opposed applications are heard by a sheriff.”
Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has challenged the UK Government to scrap its plans to increase the energy price guarantee, which limits the amount households pay for energy.
The average household dual fuel energy bill will rise from £2500 to £3000 a year from April until June, when the scheme is due to end completely.
Flynn has challenged the Tories to U-turn on their plans and instead give the £500 directly to households.
He said: “Scotland is an energy-rich country that is being forced to pay sky-high energy bills – all because of Westminster mismanagement.
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor’s plan to increase energy prices this April will have devastating consequences on households across Scotland and the UK.
“Meanwhile, energy companies continue to make astronomical profits at the expense of hard-working households.
“It’s time for the UK Government to finally side with working families during this cost of living crisis instead of lining the Treasury’s pockets.
“That is why I’m challenging the Prime Minister and Chancellor to not just give £500 back to families, but to also lead with higher public sector pay deals, match the Scottish Child Payment UK-wide and to introduce a real living wage for all workers.”
