Public sector shortages are funding the private sector

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These companies take more than their fair share, and always seem to have a negative impact (PA Wire)

Every time I read a story about some scandal involving government bodies, there always appears to be a private company somewhere involved.

The relationship between our government, the national bodies they are responsible for funding and the private companies attached seems to only ever have a negative impact on the public sector.

Money intended for the NHS, our prison services, housing refugees and more goes first to the various private companies involved and is whittled down as these companies take more than their fair share. In the case of our water industry, we have handed the whole thing over to companies whose shareholders take the cash abroad and leave sewage pouring into our rivers.

It’s no wonder there is a shortage of cash in the public sector, it’s funding the private sector first.

Kate Hagan

Stoke-on-Trent

Tory party death wish?

With new Tory splits on the issue of migrant care workers highlighted this week, it seems as though one could be forgiven for thinking that the Conservatives have got a death wish nowadays.

No wonder Nadine Dorries is still yet to resign her seat.

It’s very clear to me from the recent poll published, showing Labour leading in Mid Bedfordshire, that Nadine Dorries and her party are facing a huge backlash over her support for the now disgraced former prime minister, Boris Johnson.

Surely the time has come for Rishi Sunak to distance himself from and stand up to Boris Johnson’s remaining supporters. He needs to have a cabinet reshuffle prior to the summer break.

Geoffrey Brooking

Hampshire

The high-tax exodus myth

Yet again, we witness the highly predictable claim from some quarters that council tax hikes for those in the highest bands will lead to a “brain drain”, an “exodus” of middle-class earners, and deter those looking to come to Scotland.

Those in the highest council tax band, band H, would be forced to pay an additional £741 a year. I am not sure just over £60 a month will cause such a deterrence that the Volvo will be packed and headed south. Indeed, I am not sure if the increased level of income tax paid by those with the broadest shoulders has caused such an “exodus” or acted as a deterrence to come here to date.

While the tax impact on the richest is indeed more, those parties gnashing teeth neglect to mention the free tuition enjoyed by Scottish students, with those south of the border having to pay over £9,000 a year. Prescription fees in England are also over £9 per item, while in Scotland they are free.  Average water charges are also lower than those south of the border.

Better funded public services are also a key element that make somewhere an attractive place to live.

Most Scottish taxpayers pay less income tax than their English neighbours, but for those who are better off and pay more, let us not forget the likes of lower water charges, free university fees, free prescriptions and free bus travel for pensioners and young people.

Alex Orr

Edinburgh

Banks should be apolitical

Nigel Farage has had his bank account closed and is apparently unable to open an account elsewhere. While I would be the last person on the planet to show any admiration for Farage and his repellent political views, I find it totally unacceptable that any bank or any service provider should sit in judgement on its customers’ personal opinions. As long as Farage is a good customer and keeps his account in credit, that is all that should matter. Banks should stick to counting the money and stay out of politics.

Sam Boote

Nottingham