Posted on 2015-01-08 | 11:51

Speaking after train fares were raised above inflation yet again, Roger said:

“Do you feel that you are getting a fair deal from your energy suppliers, water companies or train operators – or do you reckon you are being ripped-off? If so you aren’t alone. Since these three utilities were privatised under previous Tory Governments the consumer – you and me – has seen the cost of electricity, gas, water and train fares rocket – far outstripping the rate of inflation and the measly increase in wages and salaries of most people. But, of course, some people have benefitted.

“The top managers of all these utility services have seen their salaries and bonuses increase massively as they have generated rich profits for the new owners by sacking staff, slashing costs, increasing charges to the consumer and outsourcing ‘customer service’ functions to call centres on the other side of the world!

“So are you, the customer, getting a better deal? Energy companies say there is competition between them – but this is smoke and mirrors. They act like a cartel – following each other in raising prices when they say the cost of energy has risen on world markets – but how often do they reduce their prices when the cost of world oil or gas is plummeting – as it is now!

  “And what competition is there among water companies? Answer – none. They are monopolies. Try asking your provider, Severn Trent, if you can switch to Anglian Water and see what they say!

“Finally, railways. Britain’s railways, built by the great Victorians, were the envy of the world. In 1992 the Tory Government, led by John Major, privatised them – something Mrs. Thatcher resolutely refused to do. Since then the train operating companies have received vast subsidies to run the railways while distributing huge profits to shareholders. And, of course, the managers have had their share with high salaries and bonuses! The subsidy – paid by the taxpayer – is now vastly more than it was when the railways were in public ownership! So much for the benefits of privatisation.

“The great Victorians, like Joseph Chamberlain in Birmingham, recognised the limitations of unrestricted unregulated markets and ‘crony capitalism’. That is why Chamberlain initiated a programme of building up the public infrastructure which Brummies were, and are still, proud of.

“I applaud what Joseph Chamberlain did and I want our public services brought back under the control of the people and taken away from the clutches of avaricious predators who have done nothing to give better value to you – the customer and taxpayer.”