ONE of the most annoying aspects of the Government's austerity measures is the oft-repeated mantra by ministers that the cuts are something everyone has to accept.

Wage freezes, redundancies, increasing unemployment, cuts in essential public services and the anger felt by those of us who care seeing David Cameron and his coalition partners having smug disregard for those on low incomes.

It makes my blood boil, particularly as those who caused the mess we are in, the banks, flourish thanks to a lavish lifestyle boosted by bonuses and inflation-busting rises in salaries.

Is there any wonder that the "Occupy London" protest has struck a chord with everyone outside the City of London.

Obviously, the protest is also a challenge for the conscience of our church leaders.

As Christmas approaches, there will be the frenzy we associate with shoppers looking for bargains in the shops and the online sites, but there is concern that many will be forced into the hands of the loan sharks and the payday loans marketed on the High Street.

Where is the caring government?

Bernie Walsh, Durham.