Feeling the heat
Soaring temperatures may have been appreciated by those enjoying the Solway Coast this week but, on the other hand, there were others concerned the conditions signalled increasing extreme weather.
The mini-heatwave, although not as severe as in the south, was uncomfortable for many and posed a genuine health risk to those with heat-sensitive conditions.
Months on since the UK hosted the UN Climate Change Conference, events, such as the Ukraine war, have impacted on the cost and availability of energy, raising fears carbon reduction efforts could stall.
Despite obvious challenges, the UK Government continues to work with devolved administrations and overseas partners in strengthening climate resilience and much is being done globally towards meeting ambitious COP26 goals agreed in Glasgow last year.
Reducing costs
There was welcome news this week that the UK Government is taking further steps to enhance energy security and reduce long-term electricity costs.
A wholesale electricity market review will seek to minimise volatile gas prices and prevent them having a direct negative knock-on effect on potentially better value renewable electricity charges.
The aim will be to achieve a more stable energy market.
Still on cost-of-living, in addition to universal financial assistance, an estimated 12,700 families in Dumfries and Galloway constituency are eligible for two means-tested payments.
The first targeted payment of £326 is currently being paid to qualifying recipients’ bank accounts with a further £324 follow from the autumn.
Combining general and various targeted payments, low-income households nationally should have received at least £1200 from the UK Government by mid-winter.
Challenging task
It may be an endless and thankless task because of the deplorable state of our roads but I’d like to end this week’s column by thanking the repair crews filling potholes on our local roads this summer.
Seen out in the heat or, sometimes recently, in torrential downpours, I, for one, appreciate their efforts.
