So, Ian Hudspeth believes that raising county councillors’ basic allowance is the only way to attract younger, working people into the job (‘Backlash as Oxfordshire county councillors vote to raise allowances’, December 10).

Perhaps the point is more that interest in becoming a councillor would be higher if they didn’t appear to a struggling public as self-serving charlatans.

There are certainly logical arguments for the rise, but the implication that voting against it would render an independent remuneration panel pointless is laughable.

Councillors are there to decide on appropriate action – action that is best for the county. Are we supposed to believe that the recommendations of independent panels are never questioned? I certainly hope not.

Dan Abrey Jessops Close Marston

Today’s letters

 

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