FOR many years, it has been argued by this newspaper that there is only one way to fund significant improvements to public services such as the NHS - through taxation.

For too long, the NHS has lagged behind other comparative countries. Our investigation into heart bypass waiting times exposed a shocking gulf between Britain and other European countries which has yet to be adequately bridged.

And that is just one example. It is not enough to rely on goodwill fundraising and cosmetic improvements. Fundamental, meaningful change is what must be delivered in this week's budget which comes weeks before the fifth anniversary of the Blair administration.

The people of this country will accept paying more in tax if that guarantees a health service which is no longer second rate.

The key question is whether five years of spin and regurgitated statistics on public service spending have caused lasting damage to the Government's credibility. Do we believe that the promises will be delivered?

"I have confidence we can win the political battle," insisted Tony Blair yesterday as he prepared us for the Budget tax hikes, with an article in The Observer.

It is not quite such brave talk when the weakness of the opposition is taken into account because winning a political battle in the current climate is hardly anything to boast about.

Nevertheless, it is the kind of bold and honest approach we have been waiting for.

If only it hadn't taken five years for the boldness, the honesty - and the courage - to finally come.

OUR hearts go out to the loved ones of six-year-old Leonie Shaw, left to die by a hit-and-run driver here in the North-East.

Whatever the reason - blind panic, most probably - it is hard to imagine anyone driving away from such a tragic scene without calling for help.

There is no point in delaying the inevitable because it is only a matter of time before the driver is tracked down.

With emotions sure to escalate in Bishop Auckland, he must give himself up now so the police investigations into this appalling tragedy can be swiftly concluded.