If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like ‘Iran: Are our bills about to shoot up?’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002s4h6

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the longer the US-Israel war with Iran continues, the worse the cost of living will get at home.

He’s announced some support for those who use heating oil – but it pales in comparison to the help given out after the Ukraine war. So what can the UK government afford these days?

The BBC’s deputy economics editor Dharshini David answers our questions.

Scotcast is the BBC’s Scottish news podcast. This episode is hosted by Natalie Higgins and David Wallace Lockhart.

Get in touch: scotcast@bbc.co.uk

Can we afford another cost of living crisis?