Thursday 17 September 2009

The consequences of cost cutting?

The guardian reported yesterday:

"A London council that launched a cost-cutting drive inspired by no-frills airlines has been served with an injunction to stop it ending live-in wardens for older people in sheltered housing."

One member of the public is quoted as saying:

"People have got off their backsides and are getting involved in this issue," said David Young, 78, chairman of the UK Pensioners' Strategy Committee, which got the injunction so they can keep their wardens instead of the offered alternative of "floating" wardens to cover several sites from next year. Young said: "This affects 500,000 old people across the country."

One of the challenges facing Highland Council along, of course, with other Local Authorities in Scotland is how to provide quality living for a population which will contain a significantly greater proportion of over 65s and over 85s. As they say, we are not getting any younger and the next Highland-wide proposed plan is said to cover 20 years, but in reality you are talking 35 years - given the timescales quoted on already submitted planning applications; the build rates and and the fact that no timescales are given or funds allocated for road and rail provision.

I have a feeling that many more people will be taking Mr Young's words to heart and getting "off
their backsides", however, I also have a feeling that many, if they are not very careful, will be simply closing the stable door well after the horse has bolted.

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