Yet again care homes have been forgotten

THERE was nothing in the Budget for our desperate care system. The Government made a pledge to the electorate it would sort this out, with Boris telling us he had a plan, so what has happened?

Governments of all parties over many years have reneged on their promises to resolve this broken care system.

During the pandemic, we have all witnessed the results of this inaction, not just for the patients and hard-working staff, but also the mental torment for families unable to see their loved ones.

Some experts claim £7 billion would sort out the care system, which is less than 10 per cent of the cost of hS2.

I believe that if the electorate were asked which of the two would best benefit from this vast sum of money, overwhelmingly the vote would be for the care system.

We need to safeguard the future of us all as we get older. TONY WEBB, St Mellion, Cornwall.

Insult to nurses

I BELIEVE most people would support an NHS pay rise that reflects the selfless commitment we have seen from nurses throughout the Covid crisis.

The proposed 1 per cent increase is not only derisory, it is an insult. how hypocritical of a government that is quick to thank nurses when we need them, but turns away when it comes to rewarding them. IAN HUTTON, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Regressive Budget

THE Budget represents a series of missed opportunities. Instead of giving NHS workers, especially nurses, a proper pay rise, the emphasis was on cuts in stamp duty, a temporary lowering of VAT and limited support for business.

The windfall tax advocated by leading economists would have contributed to healing public finances following this recession.

Depressingly, taxpayers were warned there will be future tax rises. This regressive Budget cuts the safety net for those most in need. The uplift in Universal Credit will end when unemployment peaks in the autumn.

This Budget could have done so much, but has achieved so little. Many will be left with higher council tax bills, increases in the cost of living, and a rise in absolute and relative poverty. We will be left with a more unequal society and a weaker economy.

OLIVER B. STEWARD, Norwich.

What about OAPs?

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has thrown money around like confetti, but there was nothing in the Budget for pensioners.

For the generation disproportionately affected by Covid, costs have risen steeply. Their bus passes are going unused and being confined to the home, heating costs have soared. A one-off payment would have been helpful.

GEORGE RYDER, Swansea.

Not a foot on the ladder

IT’S unnecessary to have a stampduty holiday. The housing market has not stalled so think of all the revenue that has been lost.

Instead of helping young people trying to buy their first home, all it has succeeded in doing is push up prices. I have heard of estate agents telling couples that so many people are after a property that bids above the asking price will close on a certain date. Isn’t that gazumping?

Name supplied, Derby. THE £ 20- a- week increase in Universal Credit has been extended, but what about extra support for those on Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance?

They have to live through the pandemic, too. What a slap in the face for the most vulnerable. GEOFFREY BROOKING, Havant, Hants.

Lost daughter

I READ with tears in my eyes the account of a daughter who had descended into alcoholism and her journey back to health thanks to her mother’s help (Inspire).

Any family who has had to endure the pain of a loved one with this awful disease will recognise themselves in this moving account.

After a year of trying everything we could to help our daughter, we were advised to leave her alone to take control of her situation. We had been told we were enabling her to continue drinking by helping her every day.

So for a week we stayed away, which was agony. When we went to see how she was getting on, we found her dead.

My wife had a non-fatal heart attack the next day.

We shall never get over the guilt of not being there to help our daughter. My message is to never give up, keep trying and give every breath you have to save your loved one.

W. MEAKIN, Ripley, Derbys.

Abandoned towns

AS A former magistrate, I consider that this Government can no longer pretend to be the party of law and order.

Thanks to the Mail’s investigation, we now know the police have retreated from town centres.

however, we are paying record levels of council tax for the police and the irrelevance of having expensive police and crime commissioners.

Things have to change dramatically to give us the assurance that we really are being protected. GEOFFREY HEATHCOCK, Cambridge.

Empty cliches

GOVERNMENT ministers use the same cliches for not addressing serious issues.

We are setting up a committee. My hands are tied. new measures will be introduced. We’re starting consultations. We are awaiting the results of the report. MIKE CATTERALL, Accrington, Lancs.

Don’t cook for me!

I Don’T welcome Dr Max Pemberton’s suggestion to cook meals for neighbours living alone (Inspire). As a single person, the last thing I want is people handing me pies and cakes. I am perfectly able to organise my own meals.

If you want to cook for others, it would be much better to share with young mothers and single parents with small children who would welcome an evening free from cooking — but ask them first!

KLARA WARD, London N5.