THE sad story of Neville Pullen’s death going undiscovered for up to two days is a circumstance we shall probably see repeated.
It is another example of the change to life in modern Britain — a change some will argue shows that society is valuing the individual less.
Mr Pullen’s death could almost certainly not have been avoided. However, there had been a change in warden monitoring at his sheltered housing flat – from daily visits to just two every week.
This was done to save Oxfordshire County Council money.
We know that money needs to be saved.
But, as we highlighted last week, there is political deception afoot, with the Government bribing councils with money it has already taken off the taxpayer not to increase council tax.
If this deception was not used, councils would have the ability to raise council tax and avoid some of the more savage cuts they are making — possibly like cutting back on visits to check elderly people are not lying dead in their homes.
Perhaps this is one of David Cameron’s roles for the Big Society — neighbours replacing the state in keeping an eye on whether the vulnerable are still alive.
We are apolitical, but we ask our readers to look at today’s story and decide if they wish our community to go down this path.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article