TOTTON Town Council has not raised tax by 40 per cent in the last four years, as claimed by Rita Wilson (Letters, May 1).

The correct figure is nearer 32 per cent and this year only amounted to 2.4 per cent.

Central administration costs of the town council are not nearly £500,000, as the correct figure of £460,000 includes costs reallocated to the running of facilities at the end of the financial year.

The annual allowance for each councillor is a little over £860, (nothing like the annual cost of £40,000 suggested but more like £17,700).

A member is expected to attend an average two to three meetings a month, in some cases, considerably more.

Not, as suggested, one meeting, every six months.

In addition, members are expected to undertake case-work within the town with no additional payments for travelling expenses or phone calls.

Contrary to the impression given, the council is very supportive of fund raising for a memorial to honour the war dead.

The appeal was commenced by a former chairman, Councillor Neal Scott. Great progress with this will mean a fine additional memorial without any additional council tax burden.

COUNCILLOR DAVID HARRISON, chairman, Totton and Eling Town Council.