What do councils do with taxpayer's money?

In years gone by, the amount paid in rates was small by comparison, yet councils were able to build roads, council housing and facilities such as libraries and swimming pools and, of course, in Brighton a large conference centre which they now seem unable to afford to update.

They operated their own rubbish collection efficiently. This was handed over to contractors and many streets, now look like places from the Third World with burst rubbish bags which are infrequently cleared.

One would have expected the amalgamation of the councils to have brought large savings but they still operate two town halls and it appears staffing levels have increased rather than show a sharp decline.

I have to say Brighton and Hove council is not unique and it may be time to start a debate as to whether it is time councils were abolished and we looked at other ways of providing our services.

As councils now seem keen on contracting out services why not let people make their contracts direct with these providers? Perhaps a member of Brighton and Hove Council might wish to reply.

-Clive Murley, Grange Road, Crawley Down