Use It Or Lose It #2

I've previously posted in praise of the "Greasy Spoon" in case they close down or become chain shops. This time, I'm suggesting we use our libraries or they'll just close down.

Here's a map of threatened library closures. It's of course important to campaign to keep your local library open, but actually using it is what really counts.

Perhaps going to the library already feels like something you need to force yourself to do. Like going to the gym. If you do feel like it's a bit of an effort, try this 5-step programme ;-):

1. Go to the library. Just go in, and walk out.

2. A week later, visit again and apply for a library card.

3. A week later, visit the library and borrow one item.

4. Return the item on time.

5. Once each week/month thereafter, visit the library and use one aspect of the library's facilities (yes, even that facility).

Following demonstrations earlier this month, authorities are re-considering some planned closures.

But, again, using your library is what really counts.

No Fly Tipping

Sorry.

Image from EcoPro.

Sunlight On Pensions

Good to see Michael O'Higgins, the new Chair of the UK Pensions Regulator making a splash in his first interview. He's quoted in Tuesday's FT as saying providers should be obliged to compare their returns against their fees and other charges, including brokerage and dealing costs.

He admits transparency is key to building public trust in pensions, implying there isn't much.

Add that level of transparency to the focus on improving administration and record-keeping, and we should see some more pension scandals come to light in 2011.

What fun!

Next job: fill the black hole.

Cleese, Fry, Lumley & Izzard v Beckett, Blunkett & Prescott

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the battle for electoral reform is that the leading 'Yes' campaigners share great comic wit and timing, while the leading 'No' campaigners merely have surnames that end in 'tt'.

The result should be a triumph of pragmatism over the petty self-interest of has-been Labour politicians.

But the Double-T's will try to make it a vote on t' economy, t' spending cuts, t' cost and t' complexity or some other basis for moral panic.

Personally, I plan to have a lot of fun at their expense.

Big Society: The Trend Continues

I must say I'm enjoying all this "Big Society" malarkey. The debate about what in the hell it means, the irony of Liverpool City Council complaining it doesn't have to fund its involvement (which is the point, after all), the claims that volunteering is in decline, the claims that volunteering is doing just fine.

Wavy Dave must be pleased that it's all travelling in the right direction.

Because the big idea in the "Big Society", if there is one, is really for the Tories to make political capital out of a number of trends that have been building and converging throughout the past decade. They know that faith in our institutions has been in decline, that various facilitators are enabling us to personalise retailing, entertainment, travel, finance, politics and now public services. They know that everyone (except investment bank executives) is focused on sustainability and how to achieve more with less. They know these trends are not going to ebb away any time soon.

But who cares if the Tories try to claim the credit? That's politics. I'm all for having more Big Society debates. The more we focus on the problems of how to deliver public services more cost-effectively and efficiently, the better.