Devolution was seen as the solution, but it’s pushed rural councils to financial collapse. Homelessness has skyrocketed and poverty has returned close to pre-pandemic levels. The effect has been an obscuring of accountability at a time when trust in politics is at an all-time low.
Given the impending general election, the time for radical systemic change is now to begin dismantling ‘Westminsterism’.
Seth Dellow, Somerset
Public enemy
It is private schools that have destroyed the state sector, not Labour’s new plans. The suggestion that taking away ‘charity’ tax status from the schools that breed the likes of Sunak and Johnson, and cream off some of the more academic would-be state school pupils, while using different exams to the state system to get their not-so-bright pupils into the best universities, clogging up our cities with their SUV-driving parents – is ridiculous. The ‘public’ schools were set up to train the bureaucrats for the empire – and the idea that these are precious institutions to be preserved is preposterous in the 21st century when we quite rightly have no empire.
Every child deserves a good education – this should not be the luxury of the privileged few, and these ‘public’ schools should definitely not be classed as charities. They are a throwback to a past the rest of the world and the country should be trying to move on from. Colonial bureaucrats and corrupt politicians should have no place in our society. Any policy to raise money to improve education for all gets my vote.
@joozyboozy, Instagram
Relatable Robin
Many of us will feel for Robin Ince, who had mistaken the date of an event. This can happen to more or less any of us, regardless of one’s condition.
It’s always wise to check and recheck dates; time moves on so quickly! Still, it’s good to know that Robin was there in time and it seems that the event went well.
It’s also a good idea to remove numbers from your phone if they are not needed.
Juliet Chaplin, Sutton
State of denial
I am incredulous that our so-called incumbent government (I use the term loosely) dares to claim benefits are a lifestyle choice.
Carers, single parents, and those with mental health and physical health issues need governmental support, and not the cynical attitudes permeating now!
This bunch of loonies has no idea of the reality for many, who face evictions, ever-increasing costs and low wages. Despite the increase in the minimum wage, many unscrupulous companies use this as a benchmark of what to actually pay workers, a constant erosion of workers’ rights, poverty is the legacy of this government.
We need to get this horror show out of Number 10 and replace it with a government for the people, by the people!
AC Zacharski
Rented out
I’m a landlord, I’m selling my properties as and when my tenants give notice and leave (voluntarily). I’m doing so because of the red tape and government hostility towards landlords. I’ve always been a caring and responsible landlord dealing directly and quickly with all my tenants’ requests.
I’ve never evicted a tenant, so why is everyone so against me and those like me, and leaving me no option but to sell up? There are thousands of landlords doing the same, so there are going to be no homes to let in the private sector soon.
Kevin Parsons, York
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