The National:

PEOPLE across the UK are being absolutely hammered by the cost of living crisis right now, thanks to a multitude of issues exacerbated by the Tory government.

With Universal Credit cut, National Insurance set to be raised, energy bills about to spiral and everyday essentials getting increasingly dear (no thanks to Brexit-linked HGV driver shortages), something has to be done to help households facing heightened pressure over the coming weeks and months.

Across Europe, governments are taking action to protect their citizens from massive bills and worrying costs.

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So, it seems more than fair enough to raise this at Westminster for a debate, right? In fact, it seems pretty necessary if some figures are accurate. Think tank the Resolution Foundation expects families to face an extra £1200 hit from April – and the Bank of England believes inflation could hit 6% by the spring.

But according to Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, Stephen Kerr, this all pales in comparison to SNP policy.

“The SNP MPs have called a 3-hour debate in Westminster to attack the UK Government on the cost of living,” he fumed on Monday afternoon. “They could perhaps find the time to shoot a message off to Sturgeon in the ScotGov, who has just opened the door to a huge council tax increase (up to 12%).”

The National:

Indeed – the Scottish Government lifted the freeze on council tax. It’s now up to councils to decide how they’ll react, and if prices will go up.

Of course, there are schemes in place to help people struggling to pay their council tax. There are a number of discounts and reductions in place, and the means-tested Council Tax Reduction program brings down or completely eliminates council tax liability for half a million lower income households in Scotland. But Kerr didn’t mention that. Why would he, when he could attack the Scottish Government instead?

“What about the NI rise the WM gov are imposing. Any comments on that?” asked Twitter user Bruce. “No thought not.”

Our thoughts exactly …