Every time a new scheme or initiative is announced, from the media, the papers, unions, the BBC of course, and needless to say the politicians not connected with the scheme, comes this automatic, senseless, negative bleat. Never mind how good a scheme, how much of a problem it solves or where the money to pay for it comes from, the knee jerk response has to be “It’s not enough”. And this is not even restricted to government initiatives, it’s become universal. You see a pay rise announced. Response “It’s not enough”. You see a new car park in a busy area, “It’s not enough (spaces)”

Of course it’s not enough. It never can be. What is the maximum? Infinity of course. Rarely do you see credit for what the scheme does do or provide, or sensible suggestions about detail or possible future expansion. Oh No “It’s not enough”

The simple truth is that everything comes at a cost. There is not a money tree that money grows on. There is a money tap which can be turned on but as soon as you turn the tap on with it comes a bill that has to be paid. Further if you leave the tap on until the tank is empty nothing more flows out of the tap. So if the tap is turned on who has to pay the bill? Very simple. Everyone. And I mean everyone. The tax payers which means you and me. And even those who don’t pay income tax. Remember VAT. Hey even you living on benefits. VAT on your new TV goes up from 20% to 40% – OK? -I doubt it. And those who bleat the loudest would be the first to complain when they got their share of the bill.

We are all aware that workers in all areas of our health services put themselves at risk especially at this time and some of them have died as a result, and others will in the future. There have been the Thursday claps supported by millions who do appreciate the efforts these people have made and continue to make. Further though concern was expressed for the families of those healthcare workers who died after catching coronavirus. Naturally we had some idiot ideas floated. One genius of a politician (Liberal Democrat and therefore never to be in a position for having to find the money) suggested a “combat zone” bonus of £29 per day to all healthcare workers. Assume that we are talking about one million people that is £29 million per day. Can we pay that? Yes we can scrape up £29 million. Wait though that is £145 million THIS week. Or £623 million per month. Or £5,611 million for the rest of the year That is £5,611,000,000. And who says it will all be over by the end of the year. The Justinian Plague, not that far removed from this current virus, after an initial 2 year outbreak that decimated the Eastern Roman Empire, kept reappearing for the next 20 years and thereafter spasmodically for 200 years. Multiply the above figure by 20, let alone 200 and see what figure you get to.

So lets be sensible. In response to the concern about the families of health workers who have died the Health Secretary announced an across the board payment of £60,000 to the families who suffer this loss. Three very good things about the scheme. One it covers ALL those who have lost their life and very importantly will include temporary workers and returning workers, not just those on permanent contracts. Two it is the same for everyone – you cannot put a value on a life but this says that all will have made the same sacrifice and are equally valuable. Three it is simple, no calculations no doubt and for those families facing immediate financial hardship there is the removal of that worry at least.

Some idiot journalist wrote that £60,000 is not much to value a life at. Of course it is not. You cannot value a life. Use some common sense. Who will this be of greatest value to. For the family of a highly paid consultant it will be relatively insignificant compared to his salary and hopefully his pension/service benefits and assets will leave his family secure. However it would be wrong to exclude him – he took the same risks and paid the same price as the lowest paid worker and we should value them equally. Nevertheless if you take the earnings of a minimum wage health sector worker and his/her likely financial situation £60,000 is a substantial amount and for many such families an absolute lifeline. Of course some families will need further support and I would trust it will be forthcoming. Another surly “It’s not enough” brigade member wrote that the total payments so far will not add up to much. True but that is not the point although it still has to be paid for. Also look at the paragraph above – what if this is with us long term?

On a positive note it was very refreshing to hear that the representatives of The Royal College of Nursing and UNISON both welcomed the scheme. They represent the lower and middle paid ranks. In slightly different words both said that no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a life but that this would help remove financial worries and show appreciation of the sacrifices made. The UNISON guy, not normally my favourite guy, ended up on the right note by saying and it’s the least we can do. NOT “It’s not enough” but we can’t bring them back but at least we can do this.

Sadly at the same time the “It’s not enough” journalists were at it along with the BMA representative. The BMA remember represents the higher paid members of the workforce. Did he mean “not enough for his members” I wonder in which case should his members be paid £160,000 at least? If his members feel insulted they can always opt out!

Can the government pass a law that says that every “It’s not enough” statement must be accompanied by a statement of precisely how much enough is and the detail of exactly where that extra money is coming from and if it is an increase in income tax, VAT or National Insurance how much that will be.

Hey my pension has just increased but IT’S NOT ENOUGH.