I am writing to comment on the various “savings” announced lately by our local council, which have me more than a little bewildered.

Perhaps I am missing something, but surely savings, by definition, are the amount left over after judicious apportioning of assets after prudent expenditure, and not the amount of extra revenue generated by further burdening the less fortunate and most vulnerable with extra costs that can only make life more difficult.

Typical examples of this include the decisions to increase day care costs, the price of meals at day care entres, the removal of emergency grant aid to those in desperate circumstances, not to mention the forthcoming “bedroom” tax (yes, I said tax), which is nothing less than ridiculous.

What will the next bright idea be? Possibly reintroduction of the Daylight Tax, as imposed by William 111 in 1695 could be considered? It would probably be a good money maker and also provide employment for a few builders bricking up unused windows.

It may also be useful to take a closer look at the expenses and other payments claimed by some of our councillors and require them to be justified.

Steve Hart Grantchester Way Bolton