In an Argus article headed Councillors vote to increase pay (October 18) Green councillor Geoffrey Bowden made what was a most extraordinary statement.

He was quoted as saying: “Some people putting themselves up for election in May are people at the beginning of their careers and, on council allowances, are not going to be able to pay a mortgage.”

Perhaps Councillor Bowden can tell us exactly when being a city councillor changed from fulfilling a public service, which he said it was earlier in the same article, into being a full-time career with financial rewards sufficient to cover mortgages. He also complained that, with the hours he put in, it meant that he was paid well below the minimum wage.

He should count himself fortunate that he is being paid and receiving a wage as he is only supposed to receive expenses and allowances which are not the same thing at all.

Or at least they shouldn't be.

Eric Waters

Ingleside Crescent

Lancing