Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, announced the measure as she set out plans to tackle the “humanitarian emergency” caused by rising energy bills. “We will take immediate action to protect tenants in the private and social rented sector,” Ms Sturgeon said. Truss en route to London for cabinet name – live updates It added that rail fares at ScotRail – which was brought into public ownership earlier this year – would be frozen until at least March 2023 and the Scottish Child Pay would rise to £25 a week for each child from November. It comes as the rest of the UK waits for Liz Truss to announce the cost of living support package as she takes over as Prime Minister. Sky News understands that energy bills are to be set at £2,500 and that this will be paid for by borrowing rather than levy. Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly called for a freeze on the energy price cap and wants an emergency four-nation summit on the “costs crisis”. Speaking at Holyrood as she unveiled her package of measures, she said: “The Scottish Government doesn’t have the power to stop your skyrocketing energy bills, but we can and will take action to make sure your rent doesn’t go up.” Ms Sturgeon said the purpose of the emergency law would be twofold. “First, it will aim to give people security about keeping a roof over their heads this winter through a moratorium on evictions,” he said. “Secondly, the legislation will include measures to freeze rents.” Her comments came as she confirmed her government would table a bill to hold a second independence referendum in October next year if ministers get the go-ahead for it from the UK High Court. Read more: Sturgeon says Truss will be ‘disaster’ as PM if she rules the way she campaigned Boris Johnson calls himself ‘booster missile’ in final speech as PM Ms Sturgeon said the rising cost of living “highlights the pressing need for independence” as it would “give us the means to build a better, richer, fairer future”. “We are reminded every day that where – and in whose hands – power lies really matters,” he said.
