IN response to correspondent Derek Ryder (Dec 29) I will correct, hopefully, his misunderstanding about how we as a council operate.

We would be criticised rightly if we had no idea how much money we had available to spend in various areas! But that is not the case.

We are required by law to set down a budget showing how much we intend to spend on our major services and this has to go into the council tax leaflet. We also have to publish the amounts that will be made available to each school, for instance.

We operate a "cash ceiling" scheme that provides an incentive should departments choose not to spend up to their limit each year and also penalises those that overspend. This is aimed at discouraging the "March madness" to which the letter alludes. There is, in fact, complete flexibility to transfer money between budget heads and this is enshrined within standing orders and financial regulations. However, it is important to realise that an increasing proportion of our money comes with "strings" attached.

As regards public consultation, it is difficult to see how much more we could do.

We conduct council residents' surveys. We distribute a quarterly council newspaper which invites comments. All council meetings have a public question time and we have a series of budget roadshows across the borough. These are well advertised and public feedback is encouraged.

If, after all this, Mr Ryder is saying that we do not meet his particular aspirations, then it could be that he is in the minority.

COUNCILLOR JOHN BYRNE,

deputy leader of the council.