Privileged politicians take note!

From: GHD Duffirth, Rosedale

Avenue, Hartshead.

YOUR Comment “A call to arms over loneliness” ( The Yorkshire Post, August 2) uses many key phrases which are basic for a better society – one wonders whether The Yorkshire Post, founded as Leeds Intelligencier in 1754, should now adopt the subtitle Intelligent Comment from Yorkshire.

The problem of the sadness, depression and desperation of the lonely does deserve to be “treated with respect rather than glibness” and “the policy-makers have an obligation to represent all sections of society, not just the outspoken”; yet “glibness” and “identity with the outspoken” are the stock in trade for most politicians on both sides of the House of Westminster.

Local councils addressing the problem deserve the recognition, respect and credit for their efforts as your Editorial points out, but a primary barrier to be overcome is the lack of awareness or indifference of Westminster of the negative impact on dignity, confidence and self respect of pensioners.

Golden handshakes on top of generous pensions, private pension pots, the possibility of elevation to the House of Lords makes it difficult for retiring MPs to appreciate the misery and loneliness inflicted on lower mortals reliant on inadequate UK state pensions. Their colleageus and aspirant MPs are, most likely, looking forward to the same privileged opportunties.

However the coming party conferences might care to reflect on the impact of the EU protect vote and the possibility of a similar pattern over pensions. While the lonely are not outspoken, the ballot box may prove an opportunity now the precedent has been set.

Of course they might pay attention to the direction of Yorkshire councils and The Yorkshire Post.

From: H Marjorie Gill,

Clarence Drive, Menston.

I CAN’T understand why taxpayers’ money should be used to attend to what should be a matter of good neighbourliness.