LIGHTER evenings and better weather have been welcomed by all, but sadly abused by a few, as outbreaks of anti-social behaviour across the county have shown.

It’s simply unacceptable and I’m glad that police and the council anti-social behaviour team are taking it so seriously. There’s no excuse for it. Vandalism and general disorder harm communities and often those most needing access to public facilities or spaces.

Lockdown restrictions have been hard for all and especially youngsters. It’s only a very small minority causing the damage but another reason why it’s important that youth and sports groups open up again soon. The devil finds time for idle hands.

In Parliament, the budget dominated. Whilst extending furlough was welcomed, overall it left the poorest vulnerable – moreover, leaving those on Universal Credit with the spectre of cuts in six months as winter approaches. On tax, as the independent Institute of Fiscal Studies said, the least progressive taxation was chosen.

Despite the misery of coronavirus, some have made fortunes. As high street retailers have been closed, big supermarkets and online sites have exploded in scale and profits. This was a chance to recoup some benefit for the public good and create a level playing field. Instead, hard-pressed local retailers will pay more in tax than huge global platforms. It’s a loss to the public purse but also unfair competition for local businesses.

The Parliamentary Library is an amazing resource with bright young staff and they produced a remarkable paper on broadband. Sadly, it confirmed what all too many in East Lothian know, which is that provision is poor here. It was much worse than for either Scotland or the UK. Download speed was poorer and gigabit availability lower, and it was worse in both rural and western parts of the county. As lockdown has shown, broadband is essential. The UK Government must ensure the service here is fit for purpose and available to all.