For the millions of people still struggling to pay their bills and pay for household essentials, the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement offered little or no relief.

As pointed out by Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, “taxes are up not down” - a fact backed up by the Institute of Fiscal Studies which noted that “tax is set to rise by more in this parliament than any other in recent history”.

Furthermore, the Office for Budget Responsibility has said households will be roughly £1,900 poorer by the end of the current Westminster parliamentary term as disposable incomes will have fallen 3.1 per cent between December 2019 and January 2025.

The Chancellor announced new changes that will make benefit support far more conditional. Those who do not follow the new rules will have “associated benefits” revoked, including legal aid, free prescriptions in England, and support with energy bills.

This demonstrates that the UK Government is more willing to deny people access to basic services than tackle poverty – which is a rising issue throughout the UK.

By contrast, the SNP Government continues to work hard to protect the people of Scotland from the cost-of living crisis, despite cuts to the Scottish Budget last year, this year and next year.

However, the SNP Government’s ability to deliver its projects for infrastructure, such as new roads, harbours, schools, hospitals and digital programmes has been his hard by an anticipated 16 per cent UK cut to our capital budget.

The UK Tory Government cares little for the financial hardships of people and is more than willing to blame our most vulnerable for its own economic mismanagement.

It should have provided resources to support public services and ensure there are no further cuts next year.

The increase in Scotland’s NHS funding was a shockingly low £11 million, barely a two thousandth of its annual budget. The £400 energy rebate could have been reinstated as people struggle with heating bills and the spending power of our capital allocation should have at least been maintained budget, given its erosion by inflation.

Nevertheless, the limited fiscal powers of the SNP Government hasn’t stopped it from acting decisively to support the Scottish people.

It has introduced a range of landmark policies, such as a council tax freeze in ten years out of the 17 it has been in office, £25 a week Scottish Child Payment, and free bus travel for young people, those with disabilities, and veterans, as well as older people, which have all had a positive impact on people’s lives.

Research published by the Child Poverty Action Group last year revealed that SNP Government Policies are saving low-income families thousands of pounds each year, by reducing the cost of bringing up a child through providing 1,140 hours of free childcare for every three and four-year old and vulnerable two-year olds.

This is only a snapshot of how the SNP Government delivers for Scotland despite Westminster’s financial constraints, but to maximise our potential, independence with full control of our resources and economy is needed.