Sir – None of your correspondents have mentioned that Southampton City Council, despite 25 per cent funding costs and the need to find £25m in savings, have agreed a budget which protects all its libraries and leisure centres, increases its budget for roads and pavements, and enlarges social services for children. How are they doing it?

“Cutting up to 40 senior management posts, including two directors, stripping out bureaucracy and reducing the pay of council workers earning more than £17,500 while protecting the pay of those on the lower pay grades. Highest wage earners will take cuts of 5.5 per cent.”

Councillor Royston Smith, leader of the council, says: “Councils around the country are closing libraries and shutting down front line services to find their savings. I refuse to go down that route as our residents deserve better.” If you want to know more contact communications:southampton.gov.uk. How about that Mr Mitchell?

Margaret Bullard, Oxford