Our services are mostly funded by the national exchequer. Accordingly the actual spending levels 'everywhere', funded by the state, depend on the available total resources and the priorities decided by the elected members of the Parliament. When more money is available , more can be and usually spent on community services. As mentioned the priorities are usually determined by the ruling government who needs to get them approved by all relevant people. During some national crises eg war or climatic disaster, quite logically extra funds are geared towards the more needed areas.> Over the last few years , the country's overall economy has not been very strong ; hence as a good 'house keeping' measure , the Govt has been reducing expenditure virtually everywhere - police , education, transport etc etc - an austerity measure. Services in the community have also been a target! It is indeed a 'soft' one as who will make noise if a few old folks suffer in their own homes !! Charities often fill the gap. Home help, home nursing, day centres, basic care services eg bathing etc are receiving the hardest hits! Yes some people and organisations involved with older people, have indeed been making noise - but there is no money!> Although it is difficult , one must try to understand and do one's best to cope. Perhaps the neighbours could visit and assist; doing some work normally done by he home helps. The neighbourhood watch has been a good scheme running already ; perhaps this could be strengthened and widened further taking on a little more responsibility. At the same time , the appropriate authorities must not wash their hands off completely - and continue to remain in the background to assist. > Such a joint effort would undoubtedly help in difficult situations. A cohesive move and a collective effort is needed in these difficult days.