I AM writing with reference to a reader’s letter dated July 5 regarding social cutbacks.

Having a conscience, I feel extremely worried also about this country’s situation at the moment.

Many of our forefathers worked hard to achieve a great welfare state – the same for all.

It seems that the ideal has been so many times abused by the privileged, not the poor. And that in real terms we are no further forward for ideals.

People in this country having to go for food and clothing handouts, people living on the streets and general discontent. Where is the balance?

Not everyone is a dishonest person. There are more genuine people in need.

Let us remember that it is a small proportion of people in this country who are very rich.

We need a Robin Hood, I think!

Karen Wilde, Hempland Lane, Heworth, York.