This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24568887

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nicola Sturgeon warns of No vote consequences SNP conference: Nicola Sturgeon pledges 5% energy bills cut post Yes vote
(about 14 hours later)
Westminster will "turn the screw" on Scottish spending if people vote against independence, the SNP deputy first minister will tell her party conference. Scotland's deputy first minister has unveiled plans to cut energy bills by about 5% a year if the country votes for independence.
Nicola Sturgeon will claim some MPs are "itching" to cut Holyrood's devolved budget, which is Treasury funded. Nicola Sturgeon told the SNP's conference in Perth the reduction of about £70 would be achieved by removing a number of "green" charges.
Her speech in Perth comes ahead of the independence referendum on 18 September next year. She believed the measure would not be a short-term measure, but a "real and lasting cut".
She will say independence can build on the progress achieved under devolution. People in Scotland vote in an independence referendum next year.
Ms Sturgeon will also appeal to undecided voters ahead of the referendum. On Thursday 18 September 2014, they will be asked the straight "yes/no" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Tough questions Ms Sturgeon explained that two schemes worth up to half of the green costs imposed on energy companies would be removed from the bills of consumers.
She will also pledge to continue a £20m funding package to help alleviate the impact of UK government housing benefit changes, dubbed the bedroom tax by critics, into the year 2014-15. The minister told the party's annual gathering: "Right now, the Scottish government invests around £80m a year on energy efficiency schemes to help meet our climate change targets and lower the costs of energy bills.
The UK government is cutting housing benefit to those deemed to have spare bedrooms. "A further £120m comes from a scheme designed in Westminster, operated through energy companies and paid for by a levy on your gas and electricity bills.
The SNP has called for the policy to be scrapped and has promised to reverse it if Scotland votes for independence. "It is a disjointed approach, it doesn't take account of Scottish priorities and it's not as efficient as it could be."
Ms Sturgeon will tell the conference: "Be under no illusion - if we don't vote Yes, Westminster will turn the screw. 'Vulnerable customers'
"And the limitations of devolution will be exposed for all to see." Ms Sturgeon went on to announce that an SNP government in an independent Scotland would remove the energy saving measures and the warm home discount from energy bills.
The SNP deputy leader will point out that, under devolution, the Scottish Parliament has the power to distribute the money but Westminster decides the budget. She said the current system would be replaced by a more joined up approach with funding for fuel poverty schemes - worth up to £200m per year - coming directly from government.
"And we know this much - there are Westminster MPs in all the UK parties itching to abolish the Barnett formula and cut Scotland's share of spending," Ms Sturgeon will tell delegates. Ms Sturgeon added: "Independence will allow us to tackle fuel poverty much more directly, delivering Scottish solutions to Scottish problems, and ensuring that energy companies always behave in a socially responsible way to protect vulnerable customers."
"So I say this to everyone yet to make up their mind. Consider carefully the arguments for a Yes vote. Subject them to scrutiny and ask the tough questions. She insisted the energy schemes would be delivered more effectively and it would save hard-pressed consumers money.
"But do not ever let anyone pull the wool over your eyes about the consequences of a No vote - they are clear cut and they are real." The SNP deputy leader told the conference: "We estimate that it will cut energy bills by around 5% - or £70 a year.
Ms Sturgeon will argue: "Scotland's social security system will be dismantled. Scotland's public services and universal benefits will be under threat. Scotland's budget will be cut. "Not a short term measure - but a real and lasting cut in Scottish energy bills."
"Scotland can't afford a No vote. If we are to protect, and build upon, the progress of devolution, then we must vote Yes."