Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, As a starting point for the reform of Scotland’s public services, the Christie Commission has much to commend it.
But the commission’s recognition of the role the third sector can play in the delivery of public services must be supported by a realisation that many voluntary groups are being hit hard by public-sector cuts.
The report faces up to the fact that there is a fast-growing demand for public services, and that there is glaring inequality in our society.
It also highlights the importance of easing demand through more preventative action and early intervention.
The third sector has always been good at both. Voluntary organisations very often tackle issues before they become problems which can become a drain on the public purse.
However, in the face of tightening budgets, often caused by cuts in grants from local authorities, many are struggling to deliver the services on which many vulnerable people depend.
I am delighted that the commission concluded that all public-service organisations should recognise the value that local groups bring to service delivery.
But public-sector grant funding to voluntary groups must be protected. Local authority finances are under pressure as never before, but cutting grants to third-sector organisations are short-term measures for which we will all pay in the longer term.
Mary Craig.Lloyds TSB Foundation,502 Gorgie Road,Edinburgh.
Great record for beating infection
Sir, I read with interest the letter from Alan Kidd (July 2) about Majory Inglis’ article following an inspection of Stracathro Hospital, and the negative headline.
As a member of the campaign which fought to save the hospital more than a decade ago, I can tell you that her reporting from that time to the present has never changed: it has always been downside.
As to the effect of this on staff and the public, I should think they will react like me and former colleagues and ignore it.
From the first day of Stracatho’s existence its reputation grew and was recognised worldwide.
Even when its future was threatened, and morale was low, the resilience of staff was remarkable.
It reflected great credit that the hospital was kept spotless and staff knew how to administer TLC.
The hard work that produces freedom from infections has been recognised by Tayside Health Board, and this is good news for us all.
Anne Whyte.6 Apple Wynd,Montrose.
Support for troops was missing
Sir, I am appalled at the absence of Dundee people in the audience at the Caird Hall concert for our “heroes.” The absentees should hang their heads in shame.
Troops put their lives on the line for us. The least we could do is support fund-raising for the wounded returning home.
Maureen Black.Perth Road,Dundee.
No option but to quit
Sir, While I appreciate Alan Watt’s valid point (July 1) concerning single lady teachers after the first world war, he and others may not be aware that, in those days, when a female teacher married, she had to leave the profession.
On marriage, I willingly gave up paid employment, normal at that time, although I was earning more than my husband. I was not a teacher.
Mary Smith.Maryburgh,Blairadam.
Faith schools apt to be choosy
Sir, Tom Minogue (July 5) argues that faith schools are not sectarian. Yet I believe faith schools do discriminate against people of the “wrong” faith or no faith, and indeed of the “wrong” sexual orientation.
No doubt this was, in part, what he had in mind when the Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, told the Scottish media in 2002 that Catholic schools were “divisive” and “an enabler of sectarianism.”
Faith schools of all kinds demonstrate the desire of believers to have as much discrimination as they can get in their favour, while complaining about discrimination against them.
But I suppose throwing people in jail for singing dumb songs at football matches is easier for a government compared to tackling legalised bigotry in the education system.
Alistair McBay.Lawmuirview,Methven.
Cut leave to save cash
Sir, We are constantly being told of the need for massive cuts in the defence budget.
I think I have stumbled on a way to save millions of pounds at a stroke. I have noticed lately that a certain young newly-married royal, who claims to be a serving RAF helicopter pilot, seems to spend an inordinate amount of time attending functions and junkets.
Indeed, the other day I noticed that he and his lovely young wife were at Wimbledon.
I believe the cost of training a helicopter pilot runs into millions of pounds.
I also understand that this young man insists that he be treated in exactly the same way as other armed forces personnel.
Other service personnel must surely receive the same amount of leave as he does.
The simple solution, therefore, is reduce leave for all armed service personnel to the same level that the rest of the population enjoys.
Massive savings will then be forthcoming.
John Henderson,Roebrek,Glamis.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.