Tell the truth about benefits

A RECENT survey has shown that more people would like benefits cut than increased. But I wonder if they know just what benefit levels are? For the tabloid press always focus on large families, living in expensive areas. By contrast, however, a single person on either Job Seekers’ Allowance or Income Support gets just £71.50 a week, less if they are under 25.

If those conducting opinion polls told this to people before they asked any questions, I bet not so many would think benefits were over-generous.

Wrong tool

From: Mrs Joan Brown, Rossington, Doncaster.

With regard to the Ian McMillan column (Yorkshire Post, September 18) and the accompanying photograph captioned: ‘Versatile Implement: A Shovel’, it is obvious to any Yorkshireman/woman that this is a spade! The difference between a spade and a shovel was dinged into me at my father’s knee many years ago.

Turn back time

From: Alan Carcas, Cornmill Lane, Liversedge.

Michael Gove should take a real “step back in time” and bring back the School Certificate. Students would need five passes to get the full certificate, with the brightest and best obtaining Matriculation and going on to sixth form and university. At least we could be sure of our children getting a properly rounded education. And teachers capable of teaching it!

Broken trust

From: Brian Sheridan, Redmires Road, Sheffield.

What a racist comment from Alan German (“Never trust the French!” Yorkshire Post, September 20), especially in the context of invasive journalism and the right to privacy. What does the country that spawned the News of the World and The Sun have to teach its neighbours about trust?