Chelsea Buckthorp

In the recent Independent Commission on Banking, blue prints have been drawn up that might, in the future, prevent the banks from making the risky investments that helped propel Britain into its current economic slump.

The concept of splitting high street banking from investment banking to protect the tax payer’s money has been the main focus for many. This would effectively make these two areas of banking separate, governed by two separate boards, and would theoretically make high street banking more secure.

But will it work? The Lincolnite visited the the Carlton Centre in Lincoln to ask people what they thought.

Lizzie Cooling, 27

“It seems a good idea. Obviously times are hard so if you have got any savings you don’t want them to get thrown away, especially if you have been saving money yourself then to lose it without you doing anything wrong. To be honest I don’t know that much about it and I don’t know how it would work, but you’d hope that if this is what they say is going to happen, then the banks should be a safer place to put your money.”

Karen Goodwin, The Gift Room (Carlton Centre)

“I think it may be a problem for small businesses. I think the banks are going to restrict the amount of lending they do. Anything slightly high risk is going to get an answer of no, bigger business will be ok to a degree but smaller businesses are going to suffer. We’re ok, we don’t need to borrow money at the moment but if we were in that situation I don’t think we would get an answer of yes. New businesses are going to have a real problem.”

Philip Davis, 20

“Something definitely needs doing about it. The banks are too greedy, especially with their bonuses; they still get bonuses when the rest of us are losing out. I lost loads of money myself in investments, and so did my parents. But if it will work, then I think it will be a good idea, anything to make banking safer.”

Matt Bollington, 26

“I really don’t know, you hope they know what they are doing. The banks need to make their money up so they can give us more but you don’t want a bank that needs to be bailed out by us. It’s a tricky one. But if it could work then I am definitely for it.”

Matt Edwards, 24

“Yeah I think it would be a good idea. I think something has got to change, because with the bank crisis people have lost money. I think that it helps to have two different markets it gives people a choice. Will it work? We will just have to see I guess.”

Photo: Thurthout.org

By Chelsea Buckthorp chelsea

Following the County Council’s decision to reform the adult social care system, The Lincolnite asked what the people of Lincoln think of the proposals.

Starting September 19, a consultation period will be launched to consider the views of service users and staff concerning the possible changes.

The council is looking to move towards a system of personal budgets, where people will be encouraged to make their own decisions about what service they want.

Rather than providing the services themselves, the council is potentially looking to outsource to businesses in an effort to make the provision of care more efficient.

However, it is likely that up to 285 jobs may be lost in the process. We asked what you thought of the potential reforms?

Gary Bradley, 59

Gary Bradley

“I’m strongly against any move towards anything that looks to be like privatising social care for the elderly, I want to keep it firmly in the public sector. It will inevitably lead to job losses, forcing people to reapply for their own jobs. I have an elderly mother in care and the service just isn’t the same in private hands. It sounds like the government is trying to wash their hands of something that could be problematic just to save themselves money.”

Az Dular, 37

Az Dular

“I can see where they’re coming from, from the business aspect if it is going to make more money available for other areas that desperately need it. But, I think they need to take into account personal loss the way it is going to affect the people who could potentially lose their jobs. Possibly they would be in a better financial position to take care of the individuals, [if the current plans are implemented] but I do think there could be a problem with certain sectors becoming isolated and no longer down with the common man.”

Desmond O’Connor, 46

Des O'Connor

“I think it is important that we keep going forward, and trust the government. I have lived in Zambia and what I find myself asking myself is do I want to live here in England and or in Zambia and this country still has many good practices in place. I feel very thankful to have a British passport.”

Michael Davis, 65

Michael Davis

“Considering I don’t receive care and I take care of myself, at the present time it doesn’t really apply to me yet. But, as I see it, it’s only the council trying to cut back on even more money. They’re cutting back on our money or what we should be getting to save their own necks. We’re paying for everyone else’s mistakes. We’re picking up the tab for all the money that this country has lost.”

Chelsea studied English Literature at Kingston University London and has also completed a work experience placement at Morton’s Media. She loves reading, dancing and visiting National Trust sites.