From childcare to the courts, public service failures are causing chaos. Recent crises have taken their toll, but so have botched privatisations
Tried getting through to a GP’s surgery lately? Or a bank? Or the customer services of almost anything? Catching a flight? Good luck. Waiting for a train? Stay calm, fingers crossed. Patience is a virtue – and, right now, an absolute necessity.
The government is passing through a vale of tears, and for once it is not entirely the fault of the prime minister.
Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist
