Speed restrictions
Rome wasn't built in a day, and it certainly would not have been under the private finance initiative (Private concerns, May 7).
In 1999, the government invited proposals from local authorities for "pathfinder" housing PFI schemes. Fifty local authorities duly applied. Eight schemes were selected with proposals to improve 13,500 homes and four were then endorsed in October 1999. Three years later, as the first housing PFI contract was signed in Manchester, a government news release declared: "Council tenants to get better homes, faster with £40m private finance initiative". Faster than what?
If constraints of dogma did not so restrict the options for investment available to tenants and councils, and did not rule out funding going directly to local authorities, the councils - even most registered social landlords - would have finished these projects by now.
Dennis Reed
Chief executive
Local Government Information Unit
Testing times
If we are reviewing charities (Malcolm Dean, May 7), why not challenge the assumption that the advancement of religion is necessarily of public benefit?
That is certainly not what Queen Elizabeth intended in 1601: she only meant her religion, not the "superstitious uses" of others. But the courts have rightly not taken it upon themselves to distinguish between one religion and another, so any old "religion" counts. Is that really what the public wants?
But the main risk in the current review is that the power to determine what is of public benefit will be shifted from the courts, and the charity commission in its judicial role, to the government of the day. That would effectively destroy the independence of the sector. God (if there is one) preserve us from that!
Robin Guthrie
Chief charity commissioner 1988-92
York
Question of logic
My husband and I, both in our early 70s, in good health, with clean driving licences and 20 years' experience of driving on the single-track roads of the western and northern isles of Scotland, would happily use public transport to travel from our home in Sussex to the islands. However, we find this impossible because we are unable, on grounds of age, to hire a car once there. We cannot, we are told, be covered by insurance.
To hire from one of the large firms before crossing to the islands might be possible, but would be extremely expensive. I do not blame the hire firms on the islands: most are small and obviously cannot be expected to pay enormous excess rates for older drivers. But I do question the logic that allows inexperienced younger drivers to hire, but leaves us "oldies" to add to motorway congestion when we would far rather not do so.
Jennie Stockbridge
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
Think different
While your coverage of the Magic Roundabout document (on programme-related investment for voluntary organisations) was most welcome (Prime targets, May 7), it missed some important generic points for the sector.
The main message of the document for all charities is: use your money differently, in fact "recycle" it. The initiative is groundbreaking because it offers a model by which charities can "sweat their assets" - use their money more effectively to achieve their charitable aims. It models a new way of working: charities doing it for themselves; setting an agenda to change mindsets and doing something about it.
Working across sector boundaries, we secured commercial funding for producing the document, government and charity commission backing/endorsement and partnership working between charities and commercial firms that do not usually do so. It's these lateral ways of thinking and working that are crucial for the sector in a fast-changing economic environment.
No voluntary organisation should miss the opportunity to challenge their thinking now if they are to survive long term.
Geraldine Peacock
Chief executive
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Respite for Leeds
Your article on support care/respite care for troubled youngsters (Welcome break, April 16) provided welcome publicity to this positive way of supporting families at an earlier point than is often the case. However, the reference to a lack of this service in Leeds was inaccurate.
I'm pleased to say there has been a similar scheme in Leeds now for a year. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact me (anne.hawtin@leeds.gov.uk).
Anne Hawtin
Coordinator
Planned short break scheme
Leeds city council
Inspirational therapy
Thank you for your article about the pioneering weight management group in Greater Manchester for people prescribed "atypical" anti-psychotic drugs (Weigh forward, April 23).
I was touched by the creativity, commitment and enthusiasm shown by staff and patients in addressing difficult issues through a group forum. In my experience as a consultant psychiatrist and group therapist, I find side-effects of medication are one of the main reasons for non-compliance with otherwise effective drug treatments.
Our scientific understanding of mental illness and further research are likely to produce new drugs with lesser side effects, but the psychosocial and cultural issues can only be understood and overcome by groups such as that described. Long may it continue, and be an inspiration to other users, carers and professionals.
Dr N Yoganathan
New Malden
Surrey
