Tim Ridgway’s account of the Budget debate is inaccurate. I have never referred to Emily Bronte but can do so if necessary.

Meanwhile, he overlooks my key point. I drew attention to the fact that Conservative councillor Ann Norman had referred to ‘these difficult circumstances’.

I asked if there is a split, then, between the local party and the national Government.

The national Government has decreed these terrible cuts with which we are contending.

Local MP Simon Kirby last month voted to continue with this spurious line that local government has to suffer to bring about economic recovery.

If Councillor Norman were, logically, following her party’s line, she would have referred to ‘these wonderful circumstances’ – all of which makes for interesting times.

Christopher Hawtree

Green Party prospective Parliamentary candidate Hove and Portslade