Sir, What is the point of fining energy (or any other regulated supplier) companies?
These fines will simply be lumped on to the next year’s charges and the consumers will end up paying more.
Energy companies (and other regulated suppliers) should be made to give notice, in advance, to the regulator, of the size of the fund for directors’ remunerations, including bonuses.
If, or indeed when, they misbehave the regulator’s fine should be on that remuneration fund and not their general income; hit the directors for their misdemeanours, not the customers.
They should also have the power to freeze the remuneration fund for persistent failings.
If directors themselves are hit in the pocket for their companies’ transgressions they may be a little more circumspect in their running of the companies.
And don’t trot out the excuse that good directors will be put off joining the boards of regulated companies with these sanctions. If they are competent directors they won’t be getting fined in the first place. These changes will only weed out any self-serving, heartless, sharks who shouldn’t be there in the first place!
Philip C Docherty. 34 Victoria Road, Kirkcaldy.
Showed a lack of respect
Sir, I find it incredible that of the big six energy companies only one CEO (of E-ON) attended the inquiry. The others should also have sent their CEO, if only out of respect for Parliament.
I take the view that the companies are operating a cartel over prices and attendance at the enquiry, surely it is no coincidence the way it worked out.
Jim Balneaves. 4 Tayside Place, Glencarse.
Most owners are responsible
Sir, T Percy of Broughty Ferry must really hate dogs and their owners for the draconian recommendations put forward in his letter of October 30.
Yes, there is a very small proportion of owners who are inconsiderate about their dogs’ behaviour and there are some who fail to appreciate the nuisance value of their canine companions. However, the vast majority of dog owners are very conscious of their responsibilities within the community.
This is well borne out by the attendance at dog training classes throughout the UK. Many of these organisations run classes for the Kennel Club Good Citizen’s award, with the appropriate certificate
This scheme originated in the 1990s to help the domestic dog owner achieve a good understanding and control over the dog.
This scheme has now been developed to three stages of requirement starting with the bronze award and moving up through silver to gold.
There is a lot going on for the dog owner with many instructors willing to help.
Whether within the KC scheme or not there are many organisations throughout the country who are there to help the domestic dog owners.
Many enjoy the experience so much that they continue for lengthy periods and eventually enter competitions and some become instructors themselves.
John Cree. (Retired instructor and behaviour consultant). 7 Tullis House, 6 – 8 Maule Street, Monifieth.
Fast, efficient police work
Sir, Hardly a day passes now without a murder or serious crime being committed in Scotland, but thankfully the police seem to manage to “get their man” in a relatively short time.
The recent incident relating to the brutal murder of a poor defenceless elderly lady in Kirkcaldy is a shining example of the modern aspects of efficient detection and the hard work behind the scenes before the accused is finally sentenced.
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.
“Bully-boy” tactics
Sir, In a disturbing echo of 1970s union militancy, Unite used a sinister “dirty tricks” squad to personally target the families of Ineos executives during the Grangemouth dispute.
The “leverage team” dispersed pickets to intimidate managers’ families and some were only withdrawn after neighbours called the police to protest a breach of the peace.
The unions claim such “bully-boy” tactics do not violate the laws banning secondary picketing since they do not actually prevent the managers from going to work.
In fact the Trade Union Act 1992 protects pickets operating near their workplace who peacefully communicate information or try to persuade people not to work.
It does not, to my mind, protect a noisy rabble invading the garden of a private house and placing small children and a residential neighbourhood in a state of fear and alarm.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
Get the army on standby!
Sir, It’s reported that G4S are bidding for security contracts for the Commonwealth Games.
Better cancel army leave then and put them on standby!
Laurie Richards. 100 Crail Road, Cellardyke.