Cllr KEN DENNIS, West Ward, Kingsteignton Town Council, writes:

I feel I have to responed to R Ireland's letter last week. Well done, you've hit the nail on the head.

It's a shame some of my fellow councillors aren't living in the real world.

you quite rightly say if you are trying to run a business the first thing you do is cut costs, not put up the selling price.

Sadly, I got slammed down for suggesting a realistic 2.3 per cent increase in the precept which I pointed out was realistic in line with most people's income in these difficult financial times, what most of my fellow councillors don't seem to grasp is the fact if people's income does not increase above what I suggested, just how is any one expected to pay?

One councillor did suggest three per cent, which was also declined.

The decision to vote for such a huge increase above inflation – which this week has been reported to have fallen and hopefully will continue to fall – was five for an increase above what I suggested and five against. One councillor was absent due to ill health, so the chairman had the casting vote – yes you've guessed it, seven per cent.

Sadly most councillors don't seem to realise you have to cut your cloth according to your means, as the old saying goes.

So I agree with R Ireland – new town, new ideas, better budgeting within your means.

After a huge increase in last year's precept I can see no justification for an above-inflation increase in 2009/2010.

Sadly I won't hold my breath. On January 9 Cllr M Walters was reported to say in the current economic climate this was a sensible solution to go with.

But for whom? Not for those struggling to pay.