星空传媒

The Barnett Formula allows Scotland to receive 24%, Wales 18% and Northern Ireland a massive 41% in grants to local authorities, extra/over grants made to local authorities in England. These inequalities are reflected in other largesse from Central Government, that allows such wasteful obscenities as the Scottish Parliament building as well as the Welsh Assembly building which also went way over budget.

As chairman of a school since 1970, in an area of social deprivation and while serving as a county and borough councillor, I had first-hand experience of such glaring examples of what must be said to be, ruthless and greedy public servants, when our chief executive in this admirable publication has wisely warned members of the dangers!

We are indeed fortunate to have Chris Blythe as our chief executive. A favourite quote of mine is: "There are no good battalions, no bad battalions; only good officers and bad officers, see that you are a good officer." (Field Marshal Lord Slim of Burma, Sandhurst, 1947.)