Councillors’ allowances are pretty good value Walking to unite against dementia
RE: The value of councillors. The question is, if we don’t have democratically elected citizens running our cities, what system should replace them?
In past times it was only wealthy and powerful people who could afford to stand for election so why do people, and some newspapers, get so angry when the question of councillors’ pay and expenses comes up? Nobody stands for election to get rich, with basic allowances of £13,000 rising according to the roles and responsibilities councillors take on.
Your paper states that the Lord Mayor’s office spent £312,000 on “flashy” (whatever that means) events over the past five years – which seems pretty reasonable to me when representing my city.
It works out a less than a quid each in a city of over 330,000 people. Good value, I reckon.
I have known many councillors over the years and the vast majority, from all political parties, have been dedicated, hardworking people with a passion for their city, knowing that they are up for re-election every four years and judged on their record, hardly secure employment.
So please, don’t get angry at them. Consider instead the salaries of chief executives of banks, hospitals, universities, charities and, of course, councils. Bob Arnott Holbrooks
Solutions to pollution
READER E Finch from Coventry tells us that the banning of all cars from town centres will not help with pollution due to buses and taxis (Aug 3). On a recent visit to London, I travelled on a number of bus routes and noticed that every time that a bus stopped at a bus stop or traffic lights, the engine would cut out and restart when needed.
And a recent report in the Coventry Telegraph tells us that there will soon be electric taxis.
The solutions are on the way. Fred Foster Radford ACROSS South Warwickshire, almost 3,500 people over 65 are estimated to be living with dementia and 850,000 are affected UK-wide.
Dementia devastates lives. Every pound raised through Leamington Spa Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.
This is my first Memory Walk, and I’m incredibly proud to walk in memory of my Nanna along with my family and so many others with a common goal of uniting against dementia.
Supporting Memory Walk plays a vital part in raising awareness of the condition and strikes a massive blow against the isolation it causes.
It is a great opportunity for us all to join together, celebrate someone special, share experiences and fight against dementia.
Anyone can sign up or see more details at memorywalk.org.uk. Jo Joyner, actress Alzheimer’s Society supporter