Forum Topic

What an utter waste of money!

Got Boris Johnson's letter today. £5.7 million spent on this letter apparently, which is telling us nothing new that the whole country doesn't already know by now. That money could have been put to far better use for ventilators, medical equipment, testing, etc etc. Such an unnecessary,wasteful and pointless expenditure.

Jill Merrett ● 2402d59 Comments

I thought the same aboutt the letter Jill, but didn't how much has been wasted

Malcolm Peltu ● 2402d

Load of cobblers - another vanity project - ours went straight into the recycling.

Vanessa Smith ● 2402d

If it gets through to some of the morons still gathering in groups (I guess thay have to be able to read first) then it's money well spent although I doubt that anything but punitive fines will work on some people.

N V Brooks ● 2402d

"If it gets through to some of the morons still gathering in groups (I guess thay have to be able to read first) then it's money well spent"I agree - it seems to me that many, many people never watch the news on TV so hopefully the letter will hit home some of the hard facts we have been aware of for weeks.

Steve Taylor ● 2402d

Thick doesn't describe some people. Hence the reason our government has to try to get the simple message across."The governor of Louisiana said Sunday that he wasn't told to cancel the massive Mardi Gras celebrations at the end of February, even though governors were briefed on the coronavirus threat weeks earlier.'There was not a single suggestion by anyone – a doctor, a scientist, a political figure – that we needed to cancel Mardi Gras,' John Bel Edwards told CNN's State of the Union Sunday morning.'Rather than look back, I am focused on today and going forward,' Edwards continued.Although concerns over coronavirus and its ramifications didn't manifest until March in the U.S., U.S. governors were briefed February 9 at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting by members of Donald Trump's coronavirus task force on the growing threat of the respiratory virus."

Steve Taylor ● 2402d

The churches are open in America too. One woman, asked if she wasn't worried about the virus, replied that she wasn't as she was 'washed in the blood of Jesus'.A Trump supporter, I would guess.

Susan Kelly ● 2402d

Ours is still in the quarantine bag, where it will stay for three days before being put in the recycling box.

Ken Munn ● 2402d

What a complete waste of money but more importantly how many of these letters could be infected. Those who flout the guidelines are too stupid to read a newspaper or watch the news let alone read a letter. I make no secret of my concerns about how badly this govt have handled this crisis and what concerns me is there is no exit strategy. A difficult question is answered by how we need to save the NHS and think people are beginning to see through this. We need to know sooner rather than later how we return to work and get business going again. I am hearing of some horror stories out there. I do wish them all good health.

James Smith-Jones ● 2402d

I'm keeping mine. It'll be whipped out on the futuristic version of Antiques Roadshow. "Now this is interesting, an original Coronavirus 2020 government letter, signed by Boris Johnson and complete with envelope. Amazing piece of history. How did you come across it? Is it a family heirloom? We've not seen one of these for years as most people panicked and threw them in the bin. Value? Oh, not much, probably about £20 million" (equivalent of a fiver in today's money):-)

Tania Bapuji ● 2402d

Not only a waste of money but yet more pressure on the delivery personnel who are providing a critical service to those who need it.

Paul Scullion ● 2402d

If people would do as they are told there would be no need to send out letters.

Janice Evans ● 2402d

I'm doing as told, so there was no need to send me one.

Ken Munn ● 2402d

So am I, they never left me out either 😊

Janice Evans ● 2402d

The government has no way of telling who watches the news on television, listens to it on radio, reads it in the newspapers or accesses it via the internet. By writing to every home in the country they are ensuring that almost no-one can claim they didn't receive the update and advice leaflet and therefore were unaware of the lockdown restrictions. I'll bet that those of you who are complaining here would have been equally vocal if you had been left off the mailing list. Basically, they are damned if they do and damned if the don't. Personally I could do without the pandemic e-mails from Hounslow with photos of Steve Curran, but maybe that's just me ;-)

Richard Greenhough ● 2402d

"So am I, they never left me out either 😊"Precisely - we all have to pay for the lack of action by the thickos. The government was 100% right to send out these letters.

Steve Taylor ● 2402d

Totally agree. Like you say dammed if they do dammed if they don't. And who knows if they are doing the right thing or not - I am not a virologist or an NHS expert, or a logistics expert, so have no right to comment on whether they are doing the right thing or not, I have to go by their expertise. Having a go at the government is unfair at present - after all - which worldwide government has done the right thing and got it right (that you actually believe)  from the figures they publish? Nobody knows.

Julie Morse ● 2402d

Refreshingly sensible words there from Julie Morse..Far too many on here hold strong opinions on matters they know bugger all about...Forum opinions should be rationed!Particularly humble opinions...Only those with proven common sense should be licensed to have an opinion about anything other than feeding cats or walking dogs.The law's an ass..

Stuart Kerr ● 2402d

Quite right, Stuart.  Unfortunately possession of common sense has been conclusively demonstrated to be inversely proportional to frequency of postings.

Alastair Banton ● 2401d

My 95-year-old mum (not a Tory) received her letter today. She was actually quite touched with it. Gave her a little lift.

Gordon McDonald ● 2401d

"I'll bet that those of you who are complaining here would have been equally vocal if you had been left off the mailing list."Exactly ! A case of damned if you do and damned if you don't !

Loraine Pemberton ● 2401d

'Basically, they are damned if they do and damned if the don't.Personally I could do without the pandemic e-mails from Hounslow with photos of Steve Curran, but maybe that's just me ;-)'As a vocal critic of Hounslow and Mr. Curran, I have to say I think they have been doing a very good job overall. I have received almost daily e-mails with loads of information about charities active locally and helplines etc. which I have been able to forward to others. The refuse and recycling has managed to keep going and also the fly tipping service and I think we should give credit where it's due. But then who would expect you to say something positive about anything connected with the Labour party  - no - only for you the normal adulation of your precious Tories. Whilst I hope the P.M. gets better, let's not go down the road of conferring a sainthood on him just yet, as some in the right wing press have almost verged on.

Vanessa Smith ● 2401d

"What concerns me is there is no exit strategy" - Hi James I am afraid that because of the outburst of common sense on this thread your very sensible concern about an exit strategy has been missed by other contributors. We all of course remember how we blundered into recent wars without any form of exit strategy and how disasterous that proved to be.I am not sure how you know that there is no exit strategy? We have certainly been sold that ministers and civil servants are working on one. Is that not sufficient at this time?  Surely better that they are working through all the options and the "known unknowns" rather than rushing something out that will only be superceded as we learn more about the virus and how to deal with it. New data and analysis surfaces every day. I for one would be very interested to hear not only what my fellow contributors think an exit strategy would look like but also when it should begin. As my starter for ten- does anyone think that the schools should "go back" as soon as the lock down is removed? 

Cllr Sam Hearn ● 2401d

"As a vocal critic of Hounslow and Mr. Curran, I have to say I think they have been doing a very good job overall."Vanessa - as a local Conservative Cllr with a slightly higher opinion of Cllr Curran than you, I believe that we should be grateful to all the staff at LBH who are keeping 80 per cent of services running despite #COVID 19.  The Gold Team (and of course many other officers) have been working extremely long hours behind the scenes to "keep the show on the road". 

Cllr Sam Hearn ● 2401d

Cllr Sam  .. you've looked at this thread and chosen the above to focus upon..Know this Cllr Sam....  BAD MOVE...James is a disaffected Tory and a convicted pillock.Now I know you Sam are just another pragmatic Tory moth.  A fly-about spintwat who will settle on any leaf if he can sense even the slightest angle to preach a political advantage.  But hear this...I voted Tory at the election Sam..Big mistake IF you are an example of that outcome....I hope you are NOT...Improve!!!

Stuart Kerr ● 2401d

The spread of Covid-19 is based on two factors. 1. How dense the population is. 2. How dense the population is.

Steve Taylor ● 2401d

😂

Janice Evans ● 2401d

The exit strategy will depend on several matters which we do not yet know.  How effective the current measures are, whether and when we will be able to establish a high level of testing to establish who is suffering from the virus and whether and when we will be able to develop a reliable and readily available antibody test.  There will be multiple other considerations as well.  You can’t have a strategy until the facts are known.  I can’t see it helps to ask a bunch of ignorant people, (of whom I consider myself one,) whether they think the schools should go back.A strategy should be based on the science and not whether people are fed up with having the children at home.  The press goes on about an exit strategy as they are more interested in manufacturing headlines than explanation.

Christopher Shea ● 2401d

If you really think the mouth breathers, knuckle draggers and entitled are going to read, understand and abide by the instructions in the letter, you're deluded.

Ken Munn ● 2401d

Exactly Jill. I was so hoping this was some sort of spoof. So depressing

Donna Fraser ● 2401d

"I believe that we should be grateful to all the staff at LBH who are keeping 80 per cent of services running ..."Hear hear Sam. As a small example, family and friends in other London boroughs and other parts of the country have a reduced recycling service with no glass or plastics being collected. I have never felt so grateful to see our crews turn up on Tuesdays to clear everything away.

Paul Campbell ● 2401d

I am reminded of the ‘Don’t die of ignorance’ campaign at the start of the AIDS epidemic in the U.K.  This included a leaflet sent to every household in the U.K. giving graphic advice about safe sex.  I recall thinking about my already widowed and ageing mother and whether she actually needed such advice - but what was the alternative to sending the leaflet to every household?  And the campaign was generally regarded as having been a success.

Alastair Banton ● 2401d

Don’t forget that this is a country of tabloid readers and poorly educated masses.  It is the duty of the government to get the message across to the great unwashed. This was money well spent by a responsible government and it is pathetic to complain about a few million being spent if it will save lives. The main political parties spend far more on leaflets during their election campaigns. The Brexiteers spent more to get their message across to the great unwashed and it worked for them, didn’t it?

Steve Taylor ● 2401d

Steve, if Sadiq Khan had sent this to all London households, you'd have been beating him up for an utter waste of money.

Ken Munn ● 2401d

Mildly amusing once, but why did you feel the need to post the same message on multiple threads ?

Richard Greenhough ● 2401d

"if Sadiq Khan had sent this to all London households, you'd have been beating him up for an utter waste of money."Certainly I would. Because it is above his paygrade. This is a national issue and needs to be handled by central government. If Corbyn had been in power or (Jo Swinson), I would fully have supported them in their quest to enlighten the masses if it will save lives. It is shameful and pathetic to politicise this issue.

Steve Taylor ● 2401d

"why did you feel the need to post the same message on multiple threads ?"When dealing with stupid people you have to repeat the facts over and over again Dickie. Occasionally it sinks in.Here we go...specially for you.The spread of Covid-19 is based on two factors.1. How dense the population is.2. How dense the population is.

Steve Taylor ● 2401d

Ah well, good to know you recognise how dense you are. ;-)

Richard Greenhough ● 2401d

you just can't leave me alone can you Stuey Boy, you keep protesting about me but you follow me like a bad smell. now do us all a favor and run along unless you would like to add something constructive as your usual insults is wearing thin. why don't you and all your vile friends start you own forum and give us all a break. cheerio DULLARD

James Smith-Jones ● 2401d

Duh.....pathetic Dickieboy.

Steve Taylor ● 2401d

Determined to live up to the Silly Steve moniker, aren't you.

Richard Greenhough ● 2401d

Since you took a short break from being this forum's prize  pillock, you've returned to immediately create a disgraceful thread about sick individuals and then pick a fight with Richard Greenhough.You've  also called Elizabeth Ross “Lizzy Dross” and Micki Hawkes “Hawkeye”. But go on calling me Stuey Boy as long as you like.  Only don't expect to ever get a moment's respite on here until you radically change your ways:- Like stop being such a ludicrously boring pest and give up the childish attention-seeking.....

Stuart Kerr ● 2400d

Each death (discounting the cost of treatment) costs the NHS and the bereaved family around £6,500 (source Marie Curie).
If this supposed 'waste of money' persuades just 900 people from going out and contracting Covid-19 then every penny has been wisely spent.
Sorry to break it down to harshg economics but doubtless someone in government has done the same sums.

N V Brooks ● 2400d

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzz you are like a broken record, same old drivel. why don't you bore off with your other 20 pathetic imaginary fwends including Dickkie Greentrash.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

Jimmy Jimmy - as I have told you before, the assumption that Stuart Kerr and I are friends, online or otherwise, is a fallacy, as a little research on your part would demonstrate.

Richard Greenhough ● 2400d

sorry for my delayed response re an exit strategy. My organization has decided NOT to furlough any members of our staff which we could have easily jumped on the bandwagon to save a bob or two. We took the view that it would be unfair on members of our staff and hope that more firms with a healthy balance sheet out there would do the same and hope that our efforts will be taken into account by the government. i know of a few other companies who have furloughed purely to save money. the fund was set up with good intention by the govt but sadly ill thought through. i agree an exit strategy needs to be carefully considered with the health experts but this is where the government need to liaise with industry heads and work out how best to introduce a staged back to work plan to get the economy going again. simply chucking money at it will not solve the long term problem and all political parties should work together to sort this mess out.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

i have more imprtant things to do than research anything regarding you 2 saddo's but i do enjoy playing you at your own game. have a nice easter dullards

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

Poor Jimmy Jimmy.

Richard Greenhough ● 2400d

This is a fascinating conversation so here we are in the middle of a global pandemic, a world first and people want to know the exit strategy. Well I guess the world is trying to work that out. Fortunately for the UK some European countries are ahead of us so they will be the first the make the judgement call. The UK will watch. No government would set out a plan for fear that the media particularly in the UK would rip them apart if the plan doesn’t work.  The truth is that there is a plan but it all rests on everyone doing their bit and staying home. If you don’t then the plan pushes out. The government is not in control of people’s behaviour so simple message stay home, the cases and deaths will drop and only then will all be revealed.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2400d

Jayne Well said, I really pray that everyone understands the message of 'social distancing' but from my experience of today they don't.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2400d

I agree with you both and was surprised by the amount of traffic  on CHR earlier today to top up on food ahead of the bank holiday weekend and as for social distancing I think some people are still working in feet. Listen, I agree we need to wait for the health experts before we begin to think about how we go back to work.when the time comes we need a plan for all eventualities and this is where the govt needs to listen and start talking to businesses now as another 3 weeks( very likely) of this isolation is going to start getting some in our society,less fortunate than many of us, getting hungry and angry. i am being realistic, this will go on for at least another 2 months. Are we prepared for that? How are those who have lost their jobs going to feed their families? People are already getting frustrated as whitnessed today in the supermarket. We cannot remain in lockdown forever, at some point we may have some very tough decisions to make.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

Thought you were the forum big Dickie. Come on, is that your best put down.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

James that’s exactly why governments across the world are taking decisions a step at a time. Imagine being told mid March that UK plc is closed for 3 months a vast majority of people, business, educational sites just could not get their heads around it. Equally given this is a world first no government really understands how long it will take having locked down society and the economy. It’s a process and we have to take it step at a time, after 3 weeks of lockdown we see the number of deaths, the harrowing stories from frontline staff so we understand why we need to stay in lockdown. It’s a really tough call for everyone, the scientific & medical  professionals and governments around the world. At least the world is pulling together to fight this virus, sharing knowledge, researching vaccines, tests etc. We all have to be patient save our own life and that of others plus protect the medical professionals so they can save lives.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2400d

Given the initial subject I should add if only 100 people change their attitude as a result of receiving the letter money well spent and lives saved. Right now the government can’t do enough to get through to people to stay at home,

Jayne Thorburn ● 2400d

when the people telling us to stay at home then flout their own advice, then we have a problem. Personaly, I think we go full shut down the next two weeks, no builders,cabs parcel delivery etc,get the police and army on our streets, otherwise we are only prolonging this. Before I get lambasted, no I am not a health expert but it seems it is the only way to battle this.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

“ Right now the government can’t do enough to get through to people to stay at home,”Totally agree. Every time you go out you risk contracting and spreading the virus. Every time you go into a shop and touch anything you are at risk and guilty of risking other people’s lives.

Steve Taylor ● 2400d

i fear we will see a lot of people out this weekend on their bikes and lounging around our parks. As I said, sod it, full shut down for two weeks, suck it up.

James Smith-Jones ● 2400d

Was every household supposed to be getting this letter?

Philippa Bond ● 2393d

PB > "Was every household supposed to be getting this letter?"We haven't received it.You can read it here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876876/CCS155_CCS0320349160-003_PM_letter_to_nation_on_coronovirus_Accessible.pdf

John Whitworth ● 2393d

It arrived in an un-addressed envelope, so presumably the distribution was down to Royal Mail.

Richard Greenhough ● 2393d