Voting trials are just costly flops

WHILE the figures for novel voting methods trialled in Sheffield earlier this year are distorted by set up costs and other expenses associated with the introduction of the new processes, there is still something highly disturbing to the hard-pressed taxpayer about the amount of public money spent on the various exercises.

It has been calculated that it cost 425 for every vote cast by telephone, 110 for every vote placed via the internet and 60 for every vote made in advance. And the result? Absolutely no impact on the out-turn of voters at all.

Under no circumstances can this be described as value for money - or even a limited success, considering the reservations over security and transparency?

While the idea of getting more people to the polls is attractive, the practical costs far outweigh the theory. Electoral planners should go back to their drawing boards - and the voters should go back to the booths.

Interesting times ahead in hospitals

NEED to do better. That is the kindest conclusion to be drawn from a report which shows that no hospitals in South Yorkshire match up to UNICEF's Baby Friendly programme.

This involves such important aspects of motherhood as providing information on breastfeeding and ensuring they have the correct kind of support.

Of course, local hospitals will have their own programmes but the UNICEF scheme is seen in many circles as a best-practice measure by which to judge success, or otherwise.

It will be interesting, in months to come, to see what developments arise.

Tunes in the gloom

NO prizes for we Brits in the race for the best quality of life. While Norway remains the best place to live in an international poll, Britain has slipped to a sorry No 17. True, we do spend more per head on music than any of our neighbours...so at least we have a few nice tunes to lighten the gloom!