THE Scottish government has been challenged on its response to reports that people are shutting down their electricity and rationing their energy use in the face of rising charges.

In Holyrood today, Labour MSP justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill asked ministers what action is being taken to tackle concerns around fuel poverty amid rising energy costs across the country. 

Ms McNeill said that a report by the Wise poverty group has found that some people have been left unable to boil the kettle or cook meals.