Michael, that’s one of the best posts you’ve put on here. I agree with everything you said.
![Applaud [app]](http://www.westburytownforums.co.uk/Smileys/default/applause.gif)
No, it's just a party political broadcast. My view, based on personal experience of nationalised industries, is precisely the opposite! High street shops, bank branches, post offices etc. are closing because there's less need for them - people are using alternatives so bricks-and-mortar establishments are becoming uneconomic. Propping them up with taxpayers' money may sound attractive but it never works as intended. I regret the trend, but Michael's proposed solutions don't make sense.
The post is what it is, I make no apologies for that, but you, like me, are comfortably retired and relatively computer literate so perhaps not affected by these issues as much as some others.
The simple fact is, that many elderly use and need local local post offices and banks, and like to shop locally, and it has become increasingly difficult as more of these facilities close..
One of the major reasons for the closure of retail outlets is that internet suppliers and retail shops don't operate on a level playing field, as I said in my original post, many of the large internet companies don't pay as much tax as they should, and they don't suffer the extortionate business taxes that high street shops do.
I do not propose propping any business up, but I do say that some services are just that, services, and should be run as such.. for example, the utility companies.
Many of these privatised companies pay out large sums in dividends to shareholders, even when their registered profit is negligible and the service provided is poor.
Yes, I believe that these services should be run for the benefit of the consumer because they are essential services, we cannot live without them. We have no choice, and the competitive nature of these services is relatively non existent, they operate as a cartel..
Wiltshire Council has done little to ease the problems faced by small retail businesses, on the contrary they have increased parking charges and business rates, and reduced services.
I, like you regret this trend, but I believe that the selling off our publicly own facilities and cutting services has not resulted in improvement, it has not worked, this policy and austerity measures have in fact meant a lowering of standards and services.