Public confidence collapsing ... a self-feeding downward spiral ?

A ComRes poll for ITV News shows that half the country thinks the Government has lost control of the economy and fear a double dip.

The sixth installment of the Cuts Index, conducted by ComRes, shows that almost half the country (48%) believes that the Government has lost control of the economy. This compares to 29% who believe that the Government is in control of the economy.

Polled after last week's drop in GDP, 52% of the public believe that the UK is on course for another wave of recession, up from 38% when asked the same question in October. In contrast, 17% of country doesn't believe there will be a double dip - compared to 24% in October.

Asked whether they think things are generally heading in the right direction, 48% said no, up from 32% when asked in October. This compares to 28% saying they think things are heading in the right direction, down from 41% in October.

Asked about who they trust to see the UK through the current economic situation, 22% of the public say they trust George Osborne, 33% trust David Cameron and 22% trust Nick Clegg (nb the trust in all three men has fallen by 10-12%).

With so little faith in the Coalition, and even less in the Opposition (they polled only 15%!), it doesn't bode well for the future of Britain ... as a mixture of ignorance and apathy will continue to prevail ... 

for a while longer at least. This won't last forever however ... as a self-feeding negative downward spiral has started, with household incomes dropping (except for the very rich) and unemployment rising (nb we have also learnt this week that a staggering 97% of all new jobs have only been for part-time work) ... and hard-pressed people will start to take more notice, and demand very different things ... 

NB Politicians need to take a look at the recent IMF report, and on the risks of civil war (due to imbalances of Power).

NHS Reforms: Patient Choice or Doctor's Choice?

There is lots of Government spin about current NHS reforms being all about 'Patient Choice' ... but the reality couldn't be further from the truth ... as these reforms are all about 'Doctor's Choice' (or more specifically 'GP choice'), as NHS budgets are handed over to them to manage. 

As my previous blog pointed out, most GP's have already profited very well from previous 'reforms' (e.g. taking massive pay-rises for themselves whilst working far less hours), and have shown themselves to be more than happy to pocket any additional money too (e.g. spending it on building property portfolios).  

So now the plan is give them virtually all the NHS budget (£80bn) to spend ... under a mirage of 'Patient Choice' ... when in reality GP's will be making all the decisions themselves, and ensuring they maximise the amount of money paid to themselves, their consortia and business partners. Deals, bribes, partnerships and back-handers will all undoubtedly be uncovered, in addition to all the additional lucrative Government 'incentives' on offer (for helping the Government to achieve £20bn in 'efficiency savings').  

'GP's Choice' will become increasingly a choice between 'caring for patients' and 'caring for their own bank balance' ... something many honorable and trustworthy GP's have already expressed concern about.

The Coalition have countered this by saying 'Patient Choice' means patients can go to a different GP if they wish, but the reality is likely to be the complete opposite of this, with 'GP Choice' resulting in GP's being more likely not to take on patients with serious conditions, and more likely to restrict the healthcare provided to the most needy/unwell in our society too (e.g. for treatment of expensive chronic conditions).


The reforms being proposed are testing the honor/integrity of our GP's, with many unhappy about how they compromise their unique (and trusted) position ... of being able to provide healthcare in the best interests of their patients. At the same time, others are no doubt quietly look forward to further pay increases and taking advantage of many additional ways to boost their bank balances (e.g. 'buying-in' additional services - provided by themselves!) ... at the expense of patient care.


If "Patient Choice" is really behind this reform, at what point did patients 'Choose it'? ... as it was not part of any of the Coalitions' pre-election prospectuses!  


I'm afraid it's all smoke and mirrors and spin again I'm afraid ...

Update 29/01/2011: More healthcare groups are raising their concerns, including the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Nursing. Many commentators, including the Nuffield Trust research body, are expressing their fear that patients will lose faith in their GPs if they believe they are denying them treatment on the grounds of cost. It also pointed out that the pay doctors receive, likely to include cash bonuses, will be “sensitive”!

A small step in the right direction

Following the General Election, and five days of discussions, the Liberal Democrats have negotiated a referendum on electoral reform, as part of a coalition of the type not seen for over 70 years.   Whilst not a proposal to move to full proportional representation, the alternative vote (AV) is at least one step forward towards 21st century democracy.  

Most countries around the world already have such systems, and their political parties are quite used to working together as part of a coalition.  Parties have to work together and compromise, and make sure key policies are sufficiently scrutinised and prioritised, rather than simply 'nodded through' or 'pushed through' by party whips.  The effect of this is already starting to appear, with compromises already on the make up of Government (e.g. Shared cabinet), electoral reform (e.g. AV referendum) and economic policy (e.g. with lower rate tax thresholds taking priority over providing inheritance tax breaks for the rich) for the greater good. Rather than a 'hung parliament' in my humble opinion a better description is a 'balanced parliament'.

A new system based on fundamental 'values' such as fairness, responsibility and respect is also a good start, but there is a great deal to do and far more will be needed.  The challenge (particularly for the Liberal Democrats) is to now show how effective a UK coalition Government can be, showing how 21st century politics could work for the benefit of the people, as if they do not electoral reform will fall at the first hurdle - i.e. in the referendum itself.  One thing is certain, the Tory dominated press will take any opportunity to attack any change to the voting system. The Conservatives did not want to see a referendum on the voting system (as the 'first passed the post' system serves their party, and the labour party, so well), and will I am sure argue strongly against it when it comes to the referendum.  The press tried hard to push for a majority Conservative Government so they could avoid such concessions, but even with the clear headwind provided by an unfair voting system, they did not succeed.  

The voice of the people was still sufficiently large to demand compromise and coalition - and 21st Century democracy. There's a long long way to go ... and many challenges ahead ... hence we wish our new leaders, and everyone in the UK, every success in bringing this about ... and in successfully turning our economy around.