WESTMINSTER last week was dominated by the Chancellor’s statement.

But whilst some additional support was provided, most low to middle income households found little to cheer about and for the poorest the hardship remains; 5p off fuel is nowhere near the 40p increase that recent months brought – nor was it an act of generosity as it’s more than covered by the increased VAT he’s pocketing.

Rising prices, especially for domestic heating and power, remain a severe problem. Despite that, he failed to regulate heating oil, leaving many in rural parts struggling to cope.

Similarly, the assistance to others is inadequate and for those on Universal Credit it remains “institutional cruelty”, as the filmmaker Ken Loach dubbed our benefits system. Future cuts to income tax are offset by hikes in National Insurance and largely benefit the wealthy and those with unearned income.

Whilst Ukraine overshadows everything, this can’t all be laid on that. The real causes are the actions and failings of this UK Government, where the rich get richer and the rest get left behind or made to struggle. Brexit issues are coming home to roost and the disgraceful sacking of hardworking P&O staff shows the low-wage, low-regulation society that they seek.

Fuel poverty is perverse in a country which is energy sufficient and communities like East Lothian can see the energy all around them but so many can’t afford to use it. That’s compounded with the cable that’s being laid, which many will have seen ships working on in the Forth.

It’s going to take the energy from offshore wind south to the northeast of England. Yet other than a modest payment to Crown Estates, neither Scotland nor the county will receive a penny and there’s little sign of businesses or jobs being created. Even construction jobs have largely gone to workers from outwith the area.

The Tory Government is ripping us off, but the Scottish Government is selling us out. Energy-rich Scotland shouldn’t see Scots fuel poor.