Some good news this week and then two major concerns for the future.
I am very pleased about the long-awaited decision by energy giant npower that it will refund nearly 2 million customers who overpaid for gas in 2007. It is a good start.
Energy prices are often extortionate already without unfair overpayments too. The company has finally been forced by the consumer watchdog Consumer Focus to pay out. Customers will be contacted over the next two months about refunds.
But customers entitled to compensation who have not heard by the end of November should contact npower whose helpline is on 0800 975 7938. More information is at www.consumerfocus.org.uk/energy-help-and-advice
After a long period of uncertainty we will next week find out exactly how the new Coalition government will slash public spending.
We have already seen that protest can change ministers' minds. For example, the plan to snatch free milk from pupils was scrapped.
But there are now fears that the government will scrap the national school fruit and vegetable scheme although it only costs 10p a day.
This successful scheme has helped increase consumption of fresh produce so establishing healthy eating habits at a critical young age.
Around two million 4-6 year olds receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day.
Cutting it would also harm 20 fresh produce businesses and cause job losses.
Man cannot live by bread or fruit alone, however. Our galleries, museums and historic sites are very important cultural assets for the UK but short sighted government cuts will seriously harm the UK economy.
Cuts of up to 40% will devastate our heritage, culture and ability to be competitive in sport. Our rich variety of cultural activities provides unique educational tools and helps define local and national identities as well as boosting regional economies, jobs for local people and enjoyment for millions of visitors.
Every £1 spent on culture generates £2 for the UK economy. Heritage tourism contributes £21 billion a year to the economy and supports nearly half a million jobs. Sport contributes more than £16 billion to the economy annually. Overseas visitors make 10 million trips to the UK each year, with many saying that heritage is the main draw. Sport generates long-term economic value in terms of avoided health costs and improved quality of life. We have to find some savings, it is true, but the likely scale of cuts will be extremely counter-productive.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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