TRIBUTES have rightly been paid to Councillor Willie Innes after he passed away. He gave exemplary service to his community in Prestonpans and to the county more generally. We may have disagreed on Scotland’s constitutional position but on any most others would agree, as is normal in politics. His commitment and dedication have rightly been recorded.

Councillors receive far less support or profile than MPs or MSPs but are often the ones from whom most is demanded by the public. It can seem a thankless task, as rewards are few and demands are many. It’s done out of a commitment to the community and for public service. Willie Innes embodied that and is a sad loss.

In Parliament, the Budget dominated. The Chancellor’s rhetoric doesn’t match the reality, whether for those on Universal Credit, the hospitality trade or in tackling climate change. For whilst some on Universal Credit and working will be better off, the majority on it aren’t in work. They’re facing higher bills and reduced benefit.

Similarly, the reduction in the price of as pint was nonsense. The failure to reduce VAT was a blow. The small print showed its only certain brewers and well down the line on kegs of beer. Neither drinkers nor publicans will likely see any benefit. Support should have been given to the trade.

Likewise, reducing air passenger duty on internal UK flights was absurd. Fuel consumption is greatest in take-off and landing, rather than the distance flown. When we should be reducing the need to fly to London by improving the train service, he does the opposite. It’s damaging and, when it’s in the run-up to COP26, it’s perverse.

Addressing the issues of labour shortage were ignored. Employers across the county are suffering. With sickness levels up through Covid, staffing pressures are severe. The council is feeling it, as are East Coast Buses. Private sector employers are similarly suffering. That’s partly why services are reduced. Nothing was done to address that and we’ll suffer as a result.