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”!

As the Titanic sinks - will the 'Captain' take a nap ?

With the chaos engulfing the UK economy, the fiasco of MP's expenses, and the total lack of trust in Politicians & Parliament, is now really a good time for them to take a long holiday and hope it all blows away ? 

Anyone who applies Leanomics* would so 'NO', but those who apply Poweromics** will see it as a great idea ... let's see what happens ...

Nick Clegg has already made his position clear ... by saying to "cancel MP's holidays" and to "barr the gates of Westminster until the crisis has been sorted out",  ... he has also set out a clear plan of action ...

Who'll be next to state their position ... the 'Captain' perhaps ?

* Leanomics = People taking responsibility for adding value and continuously improving the situation for others (e.g. customers, communities, overall environment), based upon fundamental values such as trust, honor, responsibility and respect.

** Poweromics = People using position and power for their own personal gain, based on poor moral values, self interest and greed.

Posted on the Panorama blog Is Your MP Working for you?  No 4 (leanomist)

Can the UK have a 21st Century Democracy please

The lack of trust of MP's, and in Parliament, is going to be extremely difficult to turn around - in fact it will be almost impossible without a root and branch reform of the electoral system. 

The internet is creating a 21st century platform for democracy - which a number of Government's are starting to use and benefit from.  In previous posts the application of Poweromics* has been often raised and the lack of effective democracy** in the UK too ... and the time for change is now ...

and it's not just me saying it ... Ministers within the Government are now saying it too (e.g. Alan Johnson, Health Secretary and Michael Wills, Justice Minister). They are all starting to realise they will have to fundamentally change how Parliament (as well as political parties) work to regain the trust of people, and to properly represent people ... so perhaps the expenses fiasco is a blessing in disguise ...

The political parties know that previous supporters are less likely to support them now, either with their votes or with their cash (see the PCS union comments previously), with many parties now wanting the tax-payer to fund them too!  

If they have any hope of persuading us this is the right thing to do, we will need to see much more transparency and have much more of a say as to what is allowed and how things are done ... so we are properly represented ... and not opening up another gravy train for 'politicians' and/or 'political parties' to exploit and profit from ...

* Poweromics = People using position and power for their own personal gain, based on poor moral values, self interest and greed. 

**  We only get a say/vote once every five years in a general election, and even then only a small minority of votes actually make a difference as to which of the two main parties gets in Government ... the only votes that effectively 'count' are fringe votes in marginal constituencies (2-3% of the total) - and that's why the two main parties keep changing the voting boundaries too! 21st Century democracy? ... and yet we often hear politicians quote our 'democracy' as an example for others to follow!

Posted on the Panorama blog Is Your MP Working for you?  No 1 (leanomist)