I received a letter the other day, with an incomplete address, though the postman managed to get it to my door. This was from someone new, the county council. As part of Liz Truss's response to the energy crisis she has sent cash around the country to aid us poor folks in our distress. This is kind of her, so kind that I will not inform her that by nationalising the energy companies she could have saved us a lot more money, and saved the cots of this gift.
However, £80 is quite decent, and a big surprise. So, wide eyed and having checked this was not a spam merchant playing games, I trotted off to the store this morning to take advantage and fill shelves. I confirmed with one of the better staff members that this was legal and they were aware of these 'handouts' from a woman who does not do 'handouts,' and began collecting the required goodies. With my freezer quite full, not of steak however, I obtained the tinned stuff, and other long term goods as I intend to use them much more in my culinary arts. (The word 'arts' here is a misnomer.) Some £19 was used, the young woman at the checkout appeared happy, and I carried my heavy load away already scribbling in my mind a return visit for other long term goods soon.
Did I need this money? I am doing OK here. I am not starving, indeed the bug helped me lose weight, and I am seeking lighter meals anyway. However, it is when the gas and electric contracts run out they will then raise the prices to who knows what. That is when this will be a benefit. Some have gone from £400 a year to £1500 or so. These often OAPs who do struggle. How can they pay such bills? We can take hope that this temporary PM will soon be gone, that a sensible individual will take over, and that intellectually satisfying policies can be offered. Hmmm... we wait and see...