G SMITH, (Letters, August 13) claims Tories on Blackburn Council were a 'bit' hypocritical in relation to councillors' perks.

Presumably, he believes operational assistance for councillors should be generic, while being restricted to necessities. If so, essential service facilities are not perquisites.

This, therefore, would be consistent with the Conservatives' proposals that were central to the report of August 4, to which he refers and which were stated clearly, in the relevant motion, submitted to the council committee; prompted by an official warning that substantial cash shortages are likely, as a consequence of the change to unitary status.

In the event of the anticipated change of circumstances, a wide range of cuts will be unavoidable and although the cost of services for councillors is small, Conservatives proposed that this part of the budget should be the first to be considered for re-appraisal and review, in relation to councillors' essential operational needs, given that a monitoring process is in hand.

Conservatives accepted that the proposals for expansion of members' services were a 'curate's egg' - good in parts - but they also believe there is merit in changing policy to meet changing situations.

COUN J H HIRST, Earnsdale Road, Darwen.

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