As day centres for older people across the country are closed by cash strapped Local Authorities the most lavish and the most expensive to run remains open. I refer of course to the House of Lords. Where those who have served their country go for their subsidised meals, cheap booze and the opportunity to keep up with current affairs or just doze.
Unfair I hear you shout it’s been ‘reformed’. Is it now an elected chamber? Does it now represent a cross section of society in age and ethnicity? Have we got rid of all those people who were only there by reason of birth or in return for a favour (financial or otherwise?). Does the second chamber now have real power to challenge the decisions of the House of Commons as in other democracy’s?
Well then it’s still a day centre for the privileged and we clearly can’t afford it.
Blair McPherson author of Equipping managers for an uncertain future. Published by www.russellhouse.co.uk