PRIOR to the May elections, the Labour group on Hyndburn Council began readjusting its committees - in line with government proposals for local government. They disbanded one committee and reduced one other.

This was not done to placate Tory group leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe, who stood in the council chamber and called for a reduction in the number of committees, saying it would reduce the burden on the local taxpayer.

Is this the same man who, on taking control, split two committees, thereby creating two extra ones?

He also instituted three extra panels or boards. This created five more chairmanships, five more vice-chairmen and a tremendous increase in the amount of working time of council offices - which all has to be paid for.

This attempt at cost cutting has increased the taxpayers' burden for their committees by an amazing 100 per cent. Is this a genuine attempt at cost cutting, or is it just creating jobs for the boys?

Is this the same man who during the election campaign constantly proclaimed he would reduce the council tax as soon as the Tories took control? On taking control, he promptly reneges on his futile promises and states there would be no reduction in council tax for at least three years.

Is this the same man who then discards his own budget proposals as unworkable and adopts the Labour group's budget in its place?

While in opposition it was quite easy for Coun Britcliffe to make a lot of promises. The boot is now on the other foot. Peter called the tune, now let's see him find the money to pay the piper.

HAROLD TOOTLE, Stevenson Street West, Accrington.

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