The decision by Oxfam to critique the work of the Government using this poster seems to have smoked out at least one thin skinned MP. The news that Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West has complained to the charity regulator that Oxfam are being too political goes to show how important it is to Conor to have a regulator to run to. This has to be good news to those of us who have been concerned for a long time that our Government is not taking the Charity Commission seriously as evidenced by the way in which they have been slashing their budget over several years. Of course it is clear that one thing does not necessarily lead to another. Just because I want to have my bins emptied or the verges mowed, does not mean I understand that the few pence I pay for these services each year will cover the true cost. However as a resident and taxpayer its reasonable that I should have this cause and effect explained to me. I do not make the budgetary decisions involved and perhaps cannot be expected to understand the scale of the operation behind such important infrastructure. Conor Burns and his colleagues as elected representatives, the very people who make such decisions and are part of a debate before decisions get taken surely have no excuse for their ignorance, if that is what it is.

I am personally grateful to Oxfam for their provocative campaign. They are not suggesting that it is this Government alone that has created the perfect storm, but it is abundantly clear to those of us who do spend time trying to address the symptoms of the storm, that it is not imaginary and its impact has gone deep in the places it has damaged. The ignorance of Conor Burns and some of his colleagues of its existence is much more worrying than their view that Oxfam and other charities are concerned about it. It is reminiscent of the Storm caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when the American President chose to ignore its impact until the International reaction shamed him into a response. Just like Katrina, this storm is damaging people who predominantly live on the margins of society. The existence of the Storm is something that would have taken place irrespective of which Government was elected in 2010. What matters is what happens now. I believe that even in the last year of this Government, there is a great deal that could be done. On the other hand Conor Burns is more bothered about the comments some charities are making. Lets hope that the voters of Bournemouth West get an alternative choice in May 2015!