A few years ago, the fee for chairing "a committee" was c£20k according to a local councillor, and that would be no more than two half days a week. Pruning should begin at the top, at councils, and the NHS, but that won't happen. Too many vested interests. Democracy is totally compromised by "the elected" taking all steps to stay in power, rather than what the electorate want or the country needs. But then the electorate only want what's best for them personally. What's the alternative? I don't believe that there is a credible alternative, but polarisation of wealth, especially in recession will lead to unrest. You can see it happening around the world.
