RHODA GRANT: Debt fears as pressures mount on families at Christmas

Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant

I can’t quite believe that we are in December already. As I begin to note the increase in Christmas adverts and music, I can’t help but feel sorry for those who are dreading this time of year.

It cannot be denied that this year has been a difficult one for many. The rising costs on everyday items has been felt by everyone – especially by our most vulnerable and those on low pay. I fear that many families may be plunging themselves into further debt because they feel an obligation to give, at the expense of their mental and financial wellbeing.

Martin Lewis calls it a “zero-sum game” and I couldn’t agree more. The financial worry that can be caused by gift giving is not the meaning of Christmas. I think it is important that we stress that ahead of this special holiday.

This month, I have been concerned to hear reports that large parts of the Highlands and Islands have been without firefighter cover over multiple days. In response to these reports, I submitted a Parliamentary Written Question on the topic. The responses I received from the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service raise more questions than answers.

In response to my written question, the Scottish Government said: “SFRS ensure that at any time a fire appliance is not available the nearest available appliance is mobilised to ensure every emergency is attended to." The SFRS also say they did have cover but have not indicated where that cover was located.

Now, Caithness locals are well aware that some crews can be miles away – hours away even. When a fire occurs, time is of the essence, so in my opinion, it is vital that firefighter cover is as close as possible to communities. This is something I will continue to investigate.

It is essential that Scottish Government de-centralises its decision making. I am deeply concerned by reports that vast sums of money are having to be spent pulling in locum services and workers because a lack of investment in care and health by the Scottish Government. This is causing particular issues in our rural communities like Caithness where it is historically more difficult to recruit.

The years of running the system down the public sector by both the Conservative and SNP governments are coming home to roost, and anyone who is dependent on care services this winter will be concerned.

The fact that the Royal College of Nurses has voted to strike for the first time in its history speaks to the unbearable pressures being afforded to front-line workers that were recently identified as key workers and heroes.

Collective action across transport, health, education, postal services and countless other industries and services are symptoms of governments that do not value people or understand the situations that their policies create. While strike action may prove disruptive for a lot of us, the unions are fighting for better terms, conditions and pay that will benefit all of us.

• Rhoda Grant is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.

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