2012 has been a mixed year for the UK with the two major London Olympic events creating a well earned diversion for the country from the unending economic turmoil. Success in both lifted the spirits of all and engendered enthusiasm for our younger generation in sporting competition. Unfortunately, the reality is continued economic uncertainty, low to no growth, austerity, cut backs in benefits, increased food, fuel and utility prices, likely a pattern to be repeated in 2013 for the majority of the population.

Christmas has also been a period in many recent years when excessive consumer credit spending has left a nasty hangover for the early part of the following year when paying off debt and the onerously high interest rates if payments are not cleared. It appears from initial surveys that a significant number of people have again used credit cards and short-term loans to pay for the festive celebrations so another delay in austerity that will eventually come home to roost during 2013. A happy new year ?