THE Vale Council are it seems cutting everything to the bone and increasing charges on various services, the latest one it seems is to increase Library charges.

However, we are not seeing cuts to councillors allowances.

Of interest to the people of the Vale is the cost of these councillors to us in the Vale. From the period of April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014, the Vale Council cost us the Vale taxpayer over £841,000, this does not include the Chief Executive's salary of £127,000 a year. I acquired this information under the freedom of information act. The Leader of the council received £47,499, the deputy leader £33,459, the Mayor £21,498, while the deputy Mayor received £16,262. The average salaries for councillors was £13,175 not including those councillors on committees, or those who claimed expenses. I think it's about time these councillors trimmed back the amount they receive and/or even reduce the number of councillors. While cuts to services are being made I find it immoral that those who are making the cuts are not taking any cuts themselves.

The first thing to go should be the office of the Mayor we cannot afford this luxury any longer.

D J Radford

Coleridge Crescent

Barry