We are accustomed to seeing terrible pictures of children starving, ill, dying or portrayed one way or another as victims, in the less wealthy or stable parts of the world. That is obviously a tragedy. Charities, governments and many people all work together to come to the aid of those in need. Those of us living in developed countries are fortunate. We live in countries where the vulnerable are cared for. The state is there to protect and assist those who need help most, or so we think.

Spain is the fourth largest economy in Europe and the Spanish are caring and family oriented people who I have always found to be warm and compassionate to others.

Not far from where I live there is the “Elche children’s shelter”. Home to children of 6 to 18 years, this shelter has always been funded by grants from the Valencian Regional Government (Generalitat Valencia) and voluntary contributions from the public, local businesses and charities. Thanks to austerity, recession and resulting cut backs, the grants have stopped and children in the most need have been set adrift by the state. As we approach Christmas, fund raising is taking place to ensure that utility bills are paid and that the children have the basics that they need. Locals are working together to collect presents for the children so that they share a little joy like all children should at this time of year. Money has been raised so that all will have plenty to eat over the festive season.

Reckless lending, foolish borrowing, a desire to spend now and pay later were the causes of the financial problems in many parts of the world. Governments and banks blindly built up huge debts and then blamed everyone else when it came time to pay or found that the assets they used to finance their ambitions did not exist or were worthless. Whilst a few at the top lost their jobs and some of the corrupt officials have been weeded out life continues as normal for most. It is everyone else that picks up the tab. We will be paying one way or another for a long time and it appears that some in power think that “everyone” includes the ones least able to.

For years politicians wasted money and spent more than the nation could afford. Many did this with the best of intentions but now it looks like the most vulnerable are paying the price. I hope the committee or individual who made the decision to end the grants to the children’s home reconsiders their position. They no doubt will be at home with their family enjoying the festive period.

I have met a few bankers over the years and one or two politicians and they are human beings like the rest of us. As individuals many earn considerable sums of money, are involved in a lot of philanthropic activities and give generously. In that respect many deserve credit. But the organisations in which they work often do not reflect the same human characteristics or behaviour in their day to day activities and when they get it wrong it is everyone else that suffers.

I will be the first to acknowledge that money does not grow on trees and that restricted budgets mean that someone loses out. But someone needs to get a grip and prioritise properly. Recently I read a press release regarding te success of new austerity measures. These were affecting use of official cars by senior government and council employees. Whilst reduction in spending is obviously good and this is progress they need to “wake up and smell the roses”. They have children on their doorstep in need of help. Sell the cars and use a bus instead. That’s what the rest of us have to do when we run out of money. I am sure it is very nice for senior politicians and bureaucrats to be taken from a to b in nice cars but homeless children should not pay for it.

How can any politician or public financial administrator with any influence in the Valencian region show their faces in public. Spanish children in their area need food, books, heat, water, clothes and receive no help from the state. This is something I would associate with the third world not a major economy in Europe. So to any politician out there with a conscience there are children in your region who need your help. Do something about it.