A compassionate state

SIR – Britain is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, but we still have a problem with homelessness, and thousands of people are reliant on food banks.

Lifeboats, hospices and air ambulances all depend on charities to support them, as do schools and hospitals.

Governments of all complexions have been too willing to ignore these responsibilities and rely on the wonderful British public to run marathons, hold coffee mornings and fill the gaping hole they have left.

It is time for central government, with cross-party support, to develop a long-term programme to ensure that the nation has all the services it needs, and can afford to support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society.

Relieving the burden on the third sector will necessitate some tax rises, but these can and should be designed to share the cost between those best able to afford it, rather than depending on those most willing to shoulder it. This doesn’t require a Communist manifesto; it can equally form the core of a compassionate Conservative programme. Michael Thomas

Uffington, Oxfordshire