Letters: Name and shame the cheats who misuse disabled badge

I WAS fascinated to read about blue badge investigator Gordon Catchlove (News, 27 May). What a terrific job he's doing, but given that he believes that up to 70 per cent of blue badges on display around the city are not used by their rightful owner, he could do with some assistance.

As abuse costs the city an estimated 5,700 per badge per year in parking fees and tax, setting up a special squad to chase parking cheats would soon pay for itself.

I think there's nothing more despicable than healthy people using badges they are not entitled to just because they can't be bothered with the inconvenience of searching for a free space, or because they are too stingy to pay for one that costs.

There should be no tolerance of this selfish practice.

What about a "name and shame" campaign where, after having been given a hefty fine and points on their driving licence, photographs of the culprits were put up in public places, such as bus stops, railway stations and post offices?

I bet that would soon stop these cheats in their tracks.

Randall McLean, Portobello

Cynical Tory move on benefit claims

CONSERVATIVE chancellor George Osborne has announced an emergency budget in June to outline the cuts to be made in services.

Over the past weeks we have been subjected to a massive softening-up campaign to accept whatever they decide to do.

Towards the end of last year George Osborne said that he intended to review the Incapacity Benefit of the approximately two million people receiving it, everyone being reassessed for their ability to work.

If they do not do so, the benefit would be reduced by 25 a week, the intention being to reduce the number of people on Incapacity Benefit and move the remainder to Disability Benefit, a lesser amount.

Little has been said recently about this plan but it is still there. It is a cynical move, not only attacking a group of people who for whatever reason are unable to work and no doubt are having a rough time, but creating a diversion, a target on which people can vent their anger.

Anthony Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens, Edinburgh

Affordable homes need at highest

I WRITE to welcome the Scottish Government's discussion document "Housing: Fresh Thinking, New Ideas" which is intended to encourage a full and inclusive debate on how best to provide the housing we need in Scotland in future.

The need for affordable housing is at its highest level for a generation now and this looks like it will continue to rise.

Last year witnessed about 7,000 affordable homes for rent and low-cost home ownership being approved mainly by housing associations' new building. This is about half what is currently needed. Yet, according to recently published Government housing statistics, the investment in affordable housing is starting to fall this year and approvals for new homes are already running at more than 38 per cent below what they were last year.

So while the needs are rising the supply is falling which is a perverse position for the country to be in.

Affordable housing provides the basic secure requirement for many people who cannot buy or rent privately.

It matters because it prevents and reduces the demand for spending in health, education, policing and welfare and has a very direct impact on boosting the construction industry and providing good jobs so strengthening the economy.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association

Children needing care, not cutbacks

I AM deeply concerned that the Royal Blind School has axed nearly half of its nursing posts (News, 27 May).

These children need all the care they can possibly get which they will not receive by cost-cutting. I fear this will cause much danger to them.

It's totally shocking that these vulnerable kids will have their care compromised.

June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh