Care privatisation costs hit the NHS – and then the taxpayer

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/24/care-privatisation-costs-hit-the-nhs-and-then-the-taxpayer

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Private care providers | System-built housing | Donald Trump | Tax in Rwanda | Cycling essentials

Surely the cost and scarcity of places in private care homes – all too readily shut by owners whose sole concern is profit – is a major reason that up to one in seven hospital beds are occupied by people fit to be discharged, and another “privatisation premium” that we all pay (UK public has paid £200bn to shareholders of key industries since privatisation, 16 September)?Ruth SumnerSwindon, Wiltshire

I agree that the government should forget the private sector and build state-owned housing for rent (Letters, 22 September), but please, system building is not the answer, being expensive and ugly.David FletcherBuckley, Flintshire

Are we really going to pay attention to medical advice from a man who once suggested we might inject disinfectant to tackle Covid (Trump attacks Tylenol as officials unveil highly contentious conclusions on autism, 22 September)?Pam BarrettLondon

I’m watching the road cycling world championships from Kigali (Sport, 20 September). Just after the riders start off, they pass a sign covering the side of a building: “Pay tax, support a better Rwanda”. If only our government had the courage to make the same message.Tony FletcherBryncoch, Neath Port Talbot

Your article on “essential” cycling accessories (The Filter, 18 September) included expensive, hi-tech options, but omitted the rear-view mirror, available from Halfords for £6.99. I wouldn’t be without one.Paul RosserClevedon, Somerset

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