Build only low-rise flats

THE recent comment by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond that public sector workers are overpaid in relation to those in the private sector, apart from being particularly crass in the wake of the tragedy of Grenfell Tower is indicative of the mindset of Tory politicians.

It is as if there is a natural law linking the one with the other while the private sector workers are joined inescapably to the doctrine of productivity.

Over the years, the latter has led to a general decline in wages for the lower-paid as the big firms have indulged in a frenzy of competition to achieve market share.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of the supermarkets where in recent years profits have been challenged by the constant cutting of prices.

In this drive for market share, the pernicious practices of zero hours contracts and self-employment have been developed to drive down, still further, the take home pay and self-esteem of those at the bottom of the pay chain.

If there is a natural law, as Philip Hammond seems to think, then the public sector workers are unlikely to receive the wages and job satisfaction they deserve for carrying out essential work, and in some cases dangerous work, while the lower paid in the private sector continue their downward spiral.

This is not acceptable in a country which is, after all, one of the richest nations on Earth.

This is a much bigger issue than one politician’s careless remark.

The Tory preoccupation with reducing expenditure on ‘the state’ while at the same time indulging in grand vanity schemes like HS2 with their soaring costs to be borne by the next generation, must be challenged if we are to have a society of which we can all be proud. I FEEL strongly that lessons must be learnt from the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower, in London.

For years, we have been led to believe that building high is the best use of land.

Building high rise flats is actually not the answer for the lack of land. Such flats waste a great deal of land.

Building low-rise flats, say six to eight stories high, is far better use of space. This obviously would also be safer for residents.

The fire service, I’m sure, would find it easier to tackle a fire and to rescue residents.

Of course, each flat should have a sprinkler system and fire alarm.

I feel that local authorities should think along these lines. those who suffer with bad chests and breathing problems. This photo of a model of a T-Rex in Philips Park, Manchester, was taken by reader David Maycock, of Gatley, during the Jurassic Kingdom exhibition which runs there until July 23. If you have a stunning picture, then we’d love to see it. Send your photos to us at viewpoints@men-news. co.uk, marking them Picture of the Day