HATS off to Royston Smith, Conservative candidate for Itchen at the general election, for promoting local referendums on important issues of public policy (report, August 12).

This is an excellent and practical way to test local opinion and will help to keep politicians in touch with voters.

By contrast London-based Rowenna Davis for Labour thinks people in Southampton should be kept well away from direct democracy initiatives of this kind, just as her party nationally refuses to promise the people a direct say about membership of the EU.

Miss Davis also seems to be unaware that local referendums are already part of life in England and Wales. The 2000 Local Government Act allowed for referendums on directly elected mayors and dozens so far have been held.

There have also been local plebiscites on raising council tax in order to pay for specific services (so far these have always been rejected).

Additionally there has been one referendum on ending a school’s selective status (also rejected).

The mere possibility of local referendums should also serve tangibly and immediately to improve the performance of local councils.

DOROTHY FUDGE, Totton.