THE windfall tax “retains the support of the public”, after a new poll found twice as many people support it than oppose the concept.
The survey, conducted by researchers at Survation, says 41% of Scots support the tax, and 19% oppose it.
Some 19% of the 2005 surveyed individuals said they strongly support it, and 22% said they tend to support it.
While 27% said they were on the fence, 11% said they tend to oppose it, and just 8% strongly opposed it.
The remaining 13% said they do not know.
READ MORE: Charity cuts ties with Kaye Adams after BBC Scotland bullying investigation
The survey, conducted via an online panel, included many demographics, and all respondents were ages 16 or older.
It comes after a 30% rise in energy costs due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition (EFPC).
The Windfall Tax (Energy Profit Levy) was levied on oil and gas companies operating in the UK in May 2022 in response to record oil and gas industry profits and the rapid increase in energy costs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Energy industry share prices have also risen by 7% in the last month, according to the EFPC.
Simon Francis, EFPC coordinator, said: “Despite the intense lobbying by the oil and gas industry – and their political allies – the windfall tax retains the support of the public.
“It’s no surprise that twice as many Scots are in favour of the windfall tax than oppose it, and nearly a fifth say that they strongly support the measure.
“As long as people see the disparity between their own living conditions and the huge profits made by energy firms, this support will continue.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Image: PA)
He added: “Just a handful of energy firms have made around £40 billion in UK profits in the last two years, even with the Energy Profits Levy in place.
“This is why the windfall tax must continue, and why it must be followed by a stronger, reformed mechanism after 2030 that ensures energy companies contribute fairly while households are still struggling.
“But taxation alone is not enough. The UK needs a properly funded plan to manage the decline of the North Sea in a way that protects workers and communities, cuts bills, invests in clean energy and upgrades cold, leaky homes.”
It revealed that Scottish voters from all parties supported the windfall tax, with 49% from the SNP in favour, 54% for Labour, and 59% for the Liberal Democrats.
Some 37% of Conservative voters supported it, with 35% against, and Reform UK voters were 31% for and 30% against.
Voting intentions for the Holyrood list had a similar result – with SNP (48%), Labour (53%), Liberal Democrat (61%) and Green (47%) voters all polling strongly in favour of the windfall tax.
Some 37% of Conservative voters said they were more likely to support the levy, and 34% opposed it, and Reform UK voters sat at 32% for and 30% against.
Frazer Scott, chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, commented: “Energy companies continue to make excessive profits at the expense of people.
“People who cannot heat their homes to a safe level and are burdened by £5.5 billion of unrepayable domestic energy debt.
“Until there is reform that puts people at the heart of the energy system it is right for big business to put its fair share back to help those that need it most.”
Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, added: “People aren’t daft; they know that the companies that have polluted our politics and plundered our planet shouldn’t be let off the hook for the spiralling climate destruction they continue to cause.
“Energy giants have racked up years of eye-watering profits. Politicians must ensure they pick up more, not less of the tab for the shift to a clean energy future instead of leaving hard pressed Scots and communities globally facing famine and floods to foot the bill. Fossil fuel companies helped light the fire, continue to fuel it, so it’s only fair they help pay to put it out.”
The Scottish Government was approached for comment.
