Are we expected to believe those councillors who voted for the 19 per cent increase in the basic allowance did so to attract younger people to become councillors? Were they themselves attracted by the money?

Or am I naive in thinking they did it out of a civic calling? Councillor Ian Hudspeth says “Councillors’ allowances are always an issue”.

Yes, they are; because it is public money that finances them. The independent panel recommended the increase but the councillors do not have to accept their recommendation with immediate effect, they can defer to a more appropriate time; and if they had done so the public would be more sympathetic towards them when there is, a more appropriate time.

I think there is sufficient frustration and anger over this decision, in the light of even more cuts in public spending, to ask all parish and town councils to call their respective county councillors to public meetings for the purpose of the county councillors explaining why they voted the way they have. Then for a vote of confidence in them carrying on as our county councillors.

If we have the power to evict our MPs for not acting in the interest of the electorate then there is no reason county councillors cannot be subject to the same.

David S Weaver, West End, Cholsey

Today’s letters

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