Scolds - and one deserves it (5)
I believe the answer is:
rates
'scolds' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'one deserves it' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'one' could be 'a' (a thing is one thing) and 'a' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'res' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rates that I've seen before include "Relative speeds and local taxes" , "List of charges" , "Local tax on property" , "classes" , "Assesses value of - property taxation system" .)