Who said there isn't a Santa Claus? He has certainly delivered early to Brighton and Hove's councillors.

Their increase in pay, of more than 25 per cent was not announced at the time of the elections (which could have prompted others to stand) but this increase is to be backdated. That means they will have £1,000 or more to splash out during the festive season.

As for such leaders as Keith Taylor, the bonus is even bigger.

Can we be sure the lure of such a windfall did not sway councillors into voting through, for example, the outlandish tall buildings strategy?

-Brian Ralfe, Hove