New social order
Sir: The author of your leading article (`Bombs beofore BR', 26 January), no doubt clad in a claret and consommé- stained suit, seems completely unaware that many local government services are in the process of radical change in order to conform with the Government's wish to see market forces introduced as part of an overall plan to give consumers greater choice. This process has been going on for some years now, and has been accompa- nied by severe restrictions on staffing levels as well as anything else which might increase expenditure.
I work, as may some other Spectator readers, for a local authority social services department. We are well on the way towards the brave new world, having re- cently floated off our elderly persons' homes and home help service to a not-for- profit trust, and are in the process of trying to swallow the new Children's Act and Care in the Community. We are also trying to do so in the context of a fairly dire budget for the next financial year caused by the community charge. I am sure we are not alone.
You imply that nothing has changed in the last ten years, assuming that what happens in London is typical for the rest of Britain. Perhaps you might care to spend a little time with those of us who are strug-
LETTERS
gling to provide a high standard of care for the less fortunate members of society, rather than reinforcing the ill-informed prejudices of some of your readers.
Nigel Engert
Latymer House, Hill Close, Wincanton, Somerset
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