I WRITE with reference to the recent request from county council leader Keith Mitchell for suggestions of ways and means which would help lessen council expenditure.
On both city and county websites, the statistics concerning the number of elected councillors and the generous allowances claimed reveal both councils are represented by a combined total of 119 elected councillors.
Yet, despite them receiving a combined total of £1,193,424.77 of allowances, I have been unable to establish how they fill their time or establish the reason they appear non-existent until the time an election approaches.
Mr Mitchell could note the Government’s realisation that there exists an excess of MPs, which is unnecessary for dealing with parliamentary business. As a consequence the number of MPs is to be reduced.
Possibly a similar reduction of councillors could be made. With fewer allowances being claimed, both authorities would benefit financially.
John Bullivant, Leiden Road, Headington, Oxford
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