POUNDS FOR PEOPLE - PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICIANS
At least £200m is being spent on NHS/Department of Health Euro preparations (3 year figure quoted by Daily Telegraph). The total NHS/DH funds required could be £660-900m, according to accountants Chantrey Vellacott DFK. The total public sector bill could be about £3.3bn - the Government is remarkably unwilling to release estimates in spite of its claim to be committed to 'freedom of information'. |
A large union, Amicus, recently sacked its pro-Euro leader, Sir Ken Jackson. Chancellor Brown has recently been reported as 'toughening' his 'five economic tests' that could be passed or failed at will. Journalists like Larry Elliott of the Guardian observe that the Chancellor seems to be backing away from a referendum.
Unless it wishes to be seen as out-of-touch and arrogant, the Government should stop Euro preparations immediately. It should instead invest the money saved on matters of relevance to public welfare, such as tackling pensioner poverty and the care homes crisis.
A survey carried out by Paul Burstow MP reveals that state funding has failed to keep apace of nursing home needs. As at February 2002, the shortfall had risen by 20% and was then calculated at £185 million. More homes are being forced to close.
2.75 million pensioners subsist beneath the poverty line. The Centre for Policy on Ageing report highlights the hypothermia, health and social difficulties that will be experienced this winter. Although the study was carried out in the New Labour heartland of Islington, the stories are depressingly familiar and CPA Policy & Research Officer Maxine Whetstone would like to see the study extended.
The Pension Credit changes announced by the Department of Work & Pensions will not come into force before October 2003 and their effects remain to be seen; for many, they will come too late. Even in Scotland, where the Executive recently committed to "free care", Age Concern (Scotland) sees many unanswered questions.
Centre for Policy on Ageing reports
NB All groups mentioned are unconnected with New Alliance
This page compiled: 25 September 2002