A GUID New Year to one and all.

Last year was trying for us all. Hopefully, 2022 will be better but it’s not going to be without its challenges.

Indeed, it’s got off to a bad start as the inclement weather will compound other issues, in particular rising costs, and especially for fuel. Inflation is already biting.

Price rises are happening across the board and wages haven’t risen sufficiently for many to budget to meet them. For those on benefits or fixed incomes, it’s far worse.

The Tory Government seems oblivious and uncaring. Whether it’s Boris Johnson’s wallpaper for No 10 or the Foreign Secretary’s lunches, cost seems no object.

Property needs maintained and visiting dignitaries entertained but economy with the public purse must be practised. It’s us who are paying and yet they’re acting with all the care or interest of Louis XVI or Marie Antoinette. They’re taking us for fools.

Folk are going to face challenges, especially as winter fuel bills come in. I’ve just paid mine and it was high. That was for the period before this cold snap and whilst prices are still capped. When that ends and this period is billed, there’s going to be hardship for many. It’s why action needs taken. Reducing VAT on energy bills from five per cent to zero would be a limited step but welcome all the same.

In Norway, their Government is putting in millions subsidising energy prices to help their people cope. There’s something perverse when an energy-rich country like Scotland has so many of its citizens in fuel poverty. Norway is showing what can be done when a Government controls its nations assets and cares about the challenges its people face. Instead, here in Scotland, we’ll just need to try and mitigate the hardship for so many. No one should have to face the invidious choice of eating or heating but sadly many will.

Organisations, though, are here to help, and no one should hesitate in seeking assistance. There’s no shame in that.

We’ll get through this but it won’t be easy.