I was astonished to learn Wandsworth Council is to offer “shopping vouchers” to people who may be caught throwing cigarette butts in the street if they agree to go on a smoking cessation course.
This is yet another example of the nanny state in action.
Instead of fining people for dropping cigarette butts, which will usually be swept up with other litter by the council’s street cleaners, the council should be focusing on detecting and fining flytippers who harm the environment by dumping large amounts of refuse or rubbish in one go.
They are the real offenders, not the casual smoker who discards the odd cigarette end, and the council should not be wasting resources on this.
However, one recent health initiative is to be welcomed. From December 1, all patients of GPs’ surgeries are able to use the “friends and family” test in giving feedback on GPs’ services.
Local practices have been given cards that patients can say whether they would recommend it to their friends or family and any other comments. Hopefully, this should help raise standards of primary care.
People can also get involved in monitoring local health services through their local health watchdog Healthwatch, or at healthwatchwandsworth.co.uk.
PAUL DINSDALE SW 17
- Send your letters to: letters@wandsworthguardian.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here