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Time for a change?

I’m not sure why Roger Lack (Adver 24/05 ‘What a nerve’) is surprised that I place the blame for the increase in foodbanks on the Tory government.

A simple check on the Trussell Trust website reveals the truth.

‘In 2016/17 over 40% of Trussell Trust referrals were due to some form of problem with a benefit payment. Some of this was people whose benefit payment was delayed; others were due to changes in benefits. Another 40% were due to what we might think of as classic signs of poverty, like low incomes, debt and homelessness.’

It seems that one of the main problems is Universal Credit introduced by the Tory government. The Trust says that it has seen a 17% rise in foodbank use in areas where Universal Credit is fully operational.

Not only is the delay in payment a problem but sanctioning on Universal Credit is an issue. Universal Credit is notable in that claimants can be sanctioned whilst in work, whereas previously that applied only to people not in work, who were able to work. People in insecure or seasonal work are particularly affected, suggesting the work incentives in Universal Credit are not helping.

These are the facts Roger. So don’t be surprised that I want people to know who to blame. I expect you will reply by saying it’s Labour’s fault for causing the financial crash, even though it has been explained to you on these very pages before that the financial crash was caused by the banks.

As the Tories have had eight years to sort things out and the use of foodbanks is still rising, I suggest they are doing a poor job and need ousting.

Kate Linnegar, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Guppy Street, Swindon

Don’t forget the good

I WAS saddened to read in your paper yesterday about the article regarding allegations of bullying at Prospect Hospice. I felt the article neglected to highlight enough the wonderful work and services the Hospice provides.

I also wanted to share my own recent experience, having recently commenced a new post in the Great Western Hospital as a Nurse Specialist, my induction having involved spending some time with both the Prospect In-Reach Nurse Team and the Prospect Community Team.

I was genuinely moved by two things. Firstly, their depth of knowledge in dealing with palliative patients and some of the complex physical issues these patients present with. Secondly, I was genuinely touched by how much the staff there cared for each and every one of their patients.

I really cannot put into words how amazing I thought they were. I genuinely wish them well and hope they can continue with the outstanding care they provide, despite these difficult times.

Lorraine Hart, Swindon

Save us all some money

For some time, I have had a running campaign to get the number of borough councillors reduced to a level, that is viable and not a burden on our tax payers purse.

Before the last local elections, I even made contact with a lot of people to ask them to also push for the reduction but after the election, apart from a few cabinet reshuffles, nothing happened.

Last week, as I was also disgusted at the amount of dog bags being dumped by the crossing near Cricklade Road, I put in a request to the borough council to get a dog bin installed there.

I went online yesterday to see if my request had made any progress, only to find that the council had cancelled the request, and passed it to the parish council for action. In my ward, there are two very local borough\parish councillors, who have done nothing about this problem, so surely this is the proof, if any was needed, that the borough councillors are now obsolete and not required, more than 1 per ward at the most.

T Reynolds, Wheeler Ave, Swindon