Rising energy bills for Scots have thrown the spotlight on the massive profits multinationals make on the backs of the poor.
Gas and electricity continue to cost a fortune and many Scots will be scared to turn their heating on over the New Year. But an important related issue is the huge number of homes north of the Border that are not energy efficient.
Leaky homes are costing families a fortune, with heat leaving through badly drafted windows and doors. New figures reveal nearly a third of a £192million fund for energy efficiency projects has gone unused.
That works out at £61.8million over three years and is harming the 5000 Scots households stuck in fuel poverty. The funding pot is provided to councils by Holyrood but spending and implementation are patchy nationwide.
Unspent cash for energy efficiency is an example of a broken relationship between the SNP government and local authorities. Low income families desperately need to cut their fuel bills, yet cash is lying around in the bank accounts of public bodies.
Governments need to read the riot act to energy firms ripping off customers with sky-high prices. But ministers and council leaders also need to raise their game in ensuring scarce resources are spent correctly.
Fuel poverty is a national scandal and governments in Holyrood and Westminster both need to do better.
Time for change
Studies have found persuasive evidence of a link between heading a football and dementia.
Footballers are more likely to become afflicted by neurodegenerative diseases and defenders carry an even greater risk. Too many Scottish football legends, from Billy McNeill to Denis Law, have been diagnosed with dementia for the link to be a coincidence.
Some football experts like Archie Macpherson want the football authorities to pilot a ban on heading the ball. It would be hard to implement such a move as eradicating headers would fundamentally change the way football is played.
But other restrictions are sensible, such as bans in youth games and during training. Funding to make footballs safer would also help allay fears among pros and their families.
Providing social security benefits to retired footballers with dementia is another overdue measure. Football is our national sport but the data is clear and action must be taken.
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