HERE’S a policy for Jesse Norman MP to mull over. It is a modern fairytale, and shows the way it should be.

Let’s put all seniors (over 55) in jail and criminals in nursing homes. This would have the dual effect of giving seniors access to unlimited hot water, hobbies, jobs and walks.

They could receive unlimited dental and medical treatment, free prescriptions and wheelchairs with constant video monitoring so that should they need urgent medical assistance it would be immediately on hand, no long wait for an ambulance.

Bedding would be washed once a week and clothing ironed and returned to them gratis. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and all meals and snacks would be brought to them with an endless supply of free tea bags.

They would have regular family visits in purpose built family suites and have access to a library, weight and fitness room, spiritual counselling and education.

Other benefits would include free shoes, slippers, pyjamas and legal aid, free and upon request. In other words, paradise in a safe and secure environment.

As for the criminals, they would receive cold food, be left to die alone, unsupervised and, if lucky, have a shower once a week. They would live in cold, tiny rooms or, if heated, pay an excessive amount for the supply beach month, and they would have absolutely no chance of ever getting out.

So, two problems solved at a stroke!

Over to you Mr Norman, Mrs May, and your social services colleagues.

CHRISTOPHER SHORT, Aberystwyth Crescent, Barry, South Wales.