The Government intends to help elderly people by giving them direct payments to provide their own care at home, thus avoiding bed-blocking.

Sounds good, doesn't it? Look a bit closer. It does not solve the problems for people who are too frail to organise the employing of such carers.

Nor does it take away the problem that there are not enough carers around to provide the care, possibly because of the poor wages they are paid.

But at least the Government can be seen to be doing something.

If only it channelled some of the money it spent on its "spin" advisers. It could give that to local authorities so older people could have the services they deserve from dedicated and committed workers.

-Coun Susan Joy, Brighton and Hove City Council