In these harsh economic times, the UK government has had a lot to say and has made several announcements they say will put the country back on the straight and narrow. Whether they are right or wrong only time will tell but here are a couple I'd like to comment specifically on:
Apparently the long term unemployed are to be asked to perform volunteer work in the community. In order to continue to receive their unemployment benefit payments those out of work for greater than a year, would be requested (where they are able) to carry out jobs like gardening or litter collection for up to four weeks per year. This won't affect those on long term disability benefit. That doesn't sound too bad does it? Wouldn't the whole of society benefit from this scheme and make the UK a better place?
Elsewhere the funding of Welsh language television channel S4C has been under the spotlight. By S4C's own admission their highest rated programme ("Pobol Y Cwm") for the week ending 17 Oct 2010 received a 'massive' 97,000 viewers. Hardly huge. This channel currently costs the state (and therefore the tax payer) around £100 million per year (about 160 m USD). Hardly seems a fair return on my tax contribution does it?
I really don't think as a nation we can currently support such a luxury as a minority language tv channel. I would rather that money was spent on something we could all benefit from. Perhaps those funds could be better used to support the National Health Service or other parts of our public services? Maybe even create a few jobs and reduce the unemployment level..?
Just a thought.
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