THIS Friday (January 12), I am hosting my first cost of living surgery of the year in Port Glasgow.

This will take place within the Trust’s premises on 7 ½ John Wood Street between 1-4pm.

I will be joined by Home Energy Scotland, Social Security Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland, who will be providing information and advice on issues ranging from utility bills, energy efficiency improvements, social security payments and many more.

If you cannot attend but feel you would benefit from support with cost of living issues, please contact my office by email (stuart.mcmillan.msp@parliament.scot) or telephone (01475 720930).

I will continue my cost of living surgeries throughout 2024, as the past year has been defined by Westminster’s cost of living crisis that has seen living standards plummet and countless more households pushed into poverty and deprivation.

However, in response to that, I note that a record number of children received free school meals in 2023 – with 231,957 children benefitting from this policy.

Scotland has the most comprehensive offer of free school meals of any nation in the UK. These statistics underline how action from this Scottish Government is delivering for children and their families across Scotland by easing pressure on household budgets and making sure more children have access to a healthy, nutritious meal.

Yet, in stark contrast, unelected Lords drank 1,589 bottles of champagne last year – almost £90,000 worth of champagne. That is the highest amount of the past five years.

A parliament where unelected Lords glug fizz and collect £342 a day just for showing up is not a parliament fit to properly represent the people.

The House of Lords should be abolished, but we should also be free to pursue an alternative from Westminster altogether.