LETTERS
Strange thing that crime rates seem to fluctuate with political desire! Two years ago we was told knife and gun crime was down, and cutbacks wouldn’t affect frontline policing. So what happened? Suddenly crime is soaring, and we need a increase in council tax. Now that’s the strangest thing.
Our new mayor is also finding more things to spend our money on, and he wants more cash. We now have major building works on hold, because of the Carillion collapse, hundreds of small businesses owed cash, social housing projects in blue cloud planning, rampant crime figures, millions spent on travellers who pay nothing, a commitment to a Common Games no-one else wanted, a defunct PCC with an un-elected administration, and a Mayor whose functions I am not sure about. Everyone wants more cash, and whose going to pay for all the mayhem around us? Us.
S T Vaughan
Yardley Wood
Last week’s Solihull Observer reported on its front page that Jaguar Land Rover is cutting production at its Castle Bromwich plant.
The reason given was in part because of the “ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit”.
Last week I attended a Brexit Business seminar in West Bromwich as an observer. There were contributions from two West Midland MPs, James Morris for Halesowen & Rowley Regis and Adrian Bailey for West Bromwich West.
Many of the companies represented were based in the West Midlands and manufactured components for JLR. Many spoke of the paradox of the recent healthy level of demand for their products alongside an unwillingness to invest for the future because of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.
The Governor of the Bank of England has also said that the UK is £350 millions a week worse off as a result of Brexit uncertainty.
The Prime Minister had planned to give a major speech towards more clarity on Brexit in February.
However, we are now being told this speech has been postponed because the Cabinet cannot agree on its Brexit policy.
It is now two long years since David Cameron announced the decision to hold a referendum. How much longer will business have to wait?
At what point will the British people say enough is enough. The clock is ticking for Theresa May.
Phil Beyer Solihull
Growing up is tough at the best of times but it can be even harder for children in care.
They are some of the most vulnerable in society and Barnardo’s urgently needs more people to support them.
Our amazing foster carers dry their tears, encourage them, listen to their problems and teach them life skills.
We provide carers with ongoing support and training to help them when the going gets a little tough, which means they can be reassured there’s always someone there for them.
We also understand that difficult situations do not always happen between 9am and 5pm and that’s why we have a 24-hour hotline for carers to get the advice and support they need if they have a problem.
You’re never alone – there’s always someone to pass on their own experience and advice.
From the moment you enquire about becoming a foster carer, throughout your very first placement and beyond, Barnardo’s is there for you to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We often think of our foster carers as superheroes but the reality is that they’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things – because they’ve taken the decision to open up their families to look after vulnerable children.
If you’re interested in fostering we’re here to help, we’re here to advise and we’re here to listen.
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering
Hugh Sherriffe
Barnardo’s regional director
