Expensive vote

SIR, — In politics certain acts take on a symbolic importance and tell you a great deal about the people involved. Last week I called on St Albans district councillors to accept no increase in their allowances this year. We have a responsibility to set a

SIR, - In politics certain acts take on a symbolic importance and tell you a great deal about the people involved.

Last week I called on St Albans district councillors to accept no increase in their allowances this year. We have a responsibility to set a positive example at a time of rising redundancies, shop closures and uncertainty.

Although my proposal had the support of the opposition councillors, it was overruled by the LibDem majority. Instead they voted for allowances to continue their rise towards �500,000 per annum - from �100,000 not so many years ago.

Is it any wonder that the public question the real motivation of councillors?

CLLR JULIAN DALY,

Leader Conservative Group, St Albans District Council.