SIR –We were interested to read Cllr Bayliss’ comments in the Worcester News (“Calls to Support Council Shake-up”, December 10). 
We were heartened, if somewhat surprised, by the assertion that Worcestershire County Council is not now being run by “ideologues who are intent on commissioning everything.”
We wonder how the Council can square this approach with privatising its human resources and payroll services – services that are both high quality and actually make money for the Worcestershire taxpayer by selling their excellent services.
After the recent experiences of our hard-working members who were transferred to Babcock, only to be threatened with large-scale job losses and service cuts within weeks; we can only wonder whether perhaps the county council has learnt its lesson and had a change of heart?
Sadly, the evidence says not. What we are seeing is more and more moves to sell off everything not bolted to the floor (and, in the case of County Hall, some of that is being sold too!) - whether this represents value for Worcestershire residents or not. 
In the meantime, some of the most vulnerable members of our society, together with staff dedicated to providing them with the best services possible, all suffer immensely.
We therefore call on Cllr Bayliss and his colleagues to pause and rethink before knowledge, skills and values we all should treasure are lost forever.
JIM PRICE
UNISON Worcestershire

Cameron’s EU talks proving to be futile
SIR – Mr Cameron’s negotiations with the EU have produced nothing for Britain. 
This is Cameron’s attempt to keep Britain in the EU. 
He’s trying to dodge the EU referendum he promised the British people with his “cast- iron guarantee” if he gets any negotiation success he then claims “no need for a referendum as I’ve saved Britain from the EU”. 
The money men won’t let Britain leave the EU, as the EU will go bust without Britain’s £40 billion a year contribution. 
The government is considering charging for any freedom of information requests, limiting what info the public can access.
It’s as if Cameron is engineering civil unrest so he can call in the Euro gendarmerie, or the Euro army to keep us in the EU. 
The money men behind the politicians won’t let their Euro plans of 70 years be derailed by democracy. 
CARL MASON 
Worcester

Police force in need of stronger leadership
SIR – I was surprised by the admission of the current Independent Police and Crime Commissioner Team in West Mercia that they don’t have a view on council tax.
This shows in a nutshell why West Mercia Police needs a new and strong Commissioner to give the leadership required rather than bury their heads in the sand.
The public elected politicians to lead; not to go back and pass the buck.
In my opinion, instead of threatening to increase household bills, the Independent Police and Crime Commissioner should have a root-and-branch review of where efficiencies can be made.
I have already highlighted the eye-watering costs of interpreters for West Mercia Police, and I intend to examine further ways to save money over the coming months.
If I am elected the next Police and Crime Commissioner, I will get on with the job of cutting the backroom costs to invest in frontline policing whilst keeping council tax low.
JOHN CAMPION
Conservative West Mercia police and crime commissioner candidate

Spend money in this country as a priority
SIR – Seeing a 79-year-old lady being carried from her home by army personnel in a foot of clay-like water at Christmas time is heartbreaking. The sheer agony etched on her face said it all.
Our political class has promised £2.3 billion on flood defences over the next five years, but that is a trickle to the £5.8 billion lavished over the next five years on aid projects abroad?
This is simply not good enough. Charity begins at home. We must spend whatever it takes to protect this country before filtering money abroad.
If there is any left after then fine, it can go overseas, but more often than not it does more harm than good by harbouring corruption.
Try telling the poor lady that other countries deserve our money more than her.
GB DIPPER
Leominster


Air strikes on Syria will make us a target
SIR – Only a few weeks ago I was saying that I couldn’t get my head round Jeremy Corbyn.
Well now I feel he’s right on saying we shouldn’t bomb Syria and it would make us a target.
I don’t think Mr Cameron really knows the answer, he just wants to make it look we are doing our best. 
I know these fanatics have to be stopped, but its knowing how.
AG MacDONALD
Worcester

Content with my lot
SIR – Re: Care Quality Commission’s findings.
I am 78-and-a-half years old. I’ve had “caring compassionate and kind” treatment since the age of 14.
Since 1980 I’ve lived alone, at peace with the world, thanks be to almighty God.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester