You would think government's would be grateful that public spirited groups pitch in to provide services that are beyond the reach of their departments.
In the education area some schools in socially depressed districts have helpers who provide both " before school and after school care " to prevent little children becoming " latch key kids " - and therefore exposed to danger.
There are even groups that make sure kids get breakfast before the school day starts. In the past, these sort of organizations at least were permitted the use of school premises for a peppercorn rent.
Not any more. The Mandarins of the bureaucracy have implemented a " standardized leases " policy - with the result that one such provider has seen annual rent fly from $ 1,000 to $ 14,000. As a consequence, this service has ceased !
As usual such decisions are made in the rarefied heights of the bureaucracy and there is no input at the coalface. It is only after the damage is done that the loss is felt by those who can least afford the removal of such services.
It seems that the responsible minister is happy to front and take the plaudits for new innovations - but missing in action when things fall apart.
No comments:
Post a Comment