Hon Alderman A L Coulter, of Becket Road, Bovey Tracey, writes:
The comments of Teignbridge Council members about the level of their current allowances in last week's Mid-Devon Advertiser were somewhat reflectively highlighted by the news report on BBC South West that 'sickness payments would not, in future, be made to Teignbridge Council employees in respect of the first three days of any absence because of illness'.
From the report, in which Mr Connett participated, it was absolutely clear that this was not an attempt to correct an error in the drawing up of staff contracts but, in fact, is to be one of the ways in which Teignbridge can save money in the present financial crisis.
After the sturdy defence of members' allowances and the level at which they are charged to the Teignbridge budget in last week's Advertier, today's revelation is deplorable and Mr Connett and his mates should cut their allowances by a minimum of ten per cent forthwith as a matter of decency.
The county council didn't just freeze members' allowances, they were reduced without anyone demanding that it be done. Teignbridge councillors should at least do the same.
Not only residents here, but their employees also, might then have a little respect for them.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION