heir heads are firmly stuck up their A**** and they do not have the funds.

I wonder how much of this comes from tradition to a certain extent. The area where Lizzie lives has always been a "Tory" area with the individual at the centre of things and responsible for themselves. The main priority has (it seems to me) to be been saving ratepayers money.

I would think they have a number of retired people down there, more than for example in Sheffield.

The other thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that we baby boomers are now getting a lot older. There will be greater demand for services. Full satisfaction will be achieved by spreading the jam more thinly (buy and fit your own handles) or cuts (no handles), cuts elsewhere (e.g. no free TV licence) or or higher taxes.

You might have to make that choice next year.