The Prime Minister made great play in recent weeks of the need to create a more secure supply of energy for the UK, as a result of the war in Ukraine. Yet our focus should also be on reducing the amount of fossil-based energy we use in the first place, or at the very least, using decarbonised forms of fuel.

Emerging from the pandemic to be met with a cost of living crisis has hardly brought great cheer to the public. Next winter is likely to be challenging for the most vulnerable in our communities. The energy bill rebate is unlikely to make an impact on those forced to make a choice between heating and eating. Communities will look to their council for further support.