JUTTLEY (Letters, February 25) makes some sweeping, yet totally incorrect, statements regarding unitary status and Blackburn councillors. Blackpool's council tax, he says, will be substantially reduced, while Blackburn's will increase on achieving unitary status.

Not true: No-one as yet knows what the level of tax will be as the rate depends on many factors, the main two being what grant the government gives to councils and what the government allows councils to spend.

Unless Mr Uttley has a crystal ball, he cannot possibly predict council tax levels in the new unitary authorities.

The present ruling council has almost no practical business experience, he claims. Not true: Many current councillors of all parties have this experience and the Council's Economic Development Department is highly regarded for its business expertise.

Unemployed councillors, he adds, have turned local politics into a full-time occupation by drawing allowances available.

Not true: Any councillors on benefit have to declare their council allowances to the DSS and benefit is deducted accordingly.

Mr Uttley goes on to imply that Blackburn and Darwen councillors are receiving high allowances.

Not true: The average allowance is £1,180 per annum after tax.

For the time, effort and responsibility, this is not exactly a fortune. No wonder there isn't a stampede of people wishing to be local councillors.

If Mr Uttley is so concerned, will be be standing for election in May? Somehow, I doubt whether he will bother.

COUN DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward, Labour), Avondale Road, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.