We’ve handed lots of local services to town and parish councils and local groups – community centres, local town halls, children’s play areas, bus shelters, town centre CCTV systems, roadside seats, pieces of amenity land, Christmas decorations, and local events. When Harris gets out his credit card for many charities, he is supporting such advocacy, so that the vulnerable are given visibility and voice. In the fields he mentions like international development, education, health and medicine and disability, many leading charities champion, rather than undermine, a rights-based approach. Secondly, as Beveridge recognised, state services alone will never be sufficient to meet all needs justly, to innovate as society changes, or give sufficient opportunities for participation and influence. Andrew PurkisLondon• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian April 26, 2017 17:48 UTC