Governments that do not listen to the people

WHAT is it about governments that they seem to revel in being deliberately antagonistic – going out of their way to do exactly what the people don’t want?

Motorists and motoring organisations have been complaining constantly about the poor state of our roads and how bad a deal we are getting in return for our road fund licence. And so, far from listening, the Chancellor announced in the Budget that it will be increased even further.

Motorists and motoring organisations have also complained long and hard about the escalating price of petrol and in particular the fact that most of what we pay is excise duty. And so, far from listening, the Government plans to increase that duty even further later this year. (I remember petrol being 4 shillings and six pence a gallon – now it is more than £6).

And there are constant complaints about how poor our postal service has become with ever-later deliveries and first class post a joke. From April 30, both first and second class stamps are going to go up by astronomical amount with a first class stamp costing 60p. I think I remember a stamp being 3d – now they will be 12 shillings.