Are Gov Regulatory bodies working?

[observer]

First they privatised many services/utilities, aside from the short term cash receipt, the theory being that "competition" will improve services and keep prices down. Then they discover that this isn't quite the case, so they set up Government regulatory bodies (OF this an OF that) to protect the consumer; and fine suppliers for exploitation or inefficiency, the fine presumably goes into Gov coffers (thus becoming a stealth tax), meanwhile the Companies just make up their loss from the customer. SO; is this system working for the consumer? EG: It appears that mobile phone companies are scamming their customers and making huge profits out of text messaging, inter-company communications and "roaming" charges for use abroad - and OfTel havn't done a thing to curtail such profiteering. In fact, the Government recently lobbied the EU Commissioner in support of the four major phone providers, in order to keep roaming prices high.

[Paul Kennedy]

Well they are working in so much that they are creating many unaccountable and highly paid jobs....many for so called cronies.

 

Interestingly I have noticed quite a number of regulatory body employees go and work for the companies that they were regulating.

[observer]

I take it Paul, Conservative Policy (given Dave's new found socialist concern for the poor!), hasn't moved round to re-nationalising these utilities and services?!

[Paul Kennedy]

No money Observer......somebody has wasted it all

[observer]

Not that "lefty" Dave would ever consider that option; having sold off most utilies/services at knock down prices, leaving dysfunctional dog's breakfasts like the Railways.