LISTENING to the Deputy Leader of Southampton council making the case for cutting costs made me cringe.

No doubt, as well as having a well-paid job he probably receives an healthy income from attendance allowances as do all county, borough and district councillors.

These people have the audacity to ask ordinary folk to take pay and condition cuts while they themselves take none. So much for “Service Before Self”.

It’s about time the number of councillors on all councils was reduced.

This would save millions and would help safeguard jobs, help pay for care for our most vulnerable and give our pensioners a decent pension.

After all, the majority have paid into the system for 50 years or more.

I myself served as a town councillor for some 15 years and many others on the council. We received not one penny in expenses or travel allowance. In considered it a privilege to serve the community.

I am not in favour of strike action, however one has to have some sympathy for these people, the refuse collectors etc.

We always seem to have money to give away to others. However, that’s always been the case in this country.

A B RILEY, Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood