Sue Beatty does not mention how many hours she works for £17,000 (The Argus, June 30). Most of us would agree that an increase for her of about £8 a week is less than generous.

However, her plea for a more liberal increment would arouse more sympathy from the many thousands of pensioners and people on the minimum wage in this area were we not aware that up to 30% of council tax goes to paying public servants' pensions.

  • Mike Thompson, Binsted Close, Eastbourne

I agree with Sue Beatty. How can the low paid keep putting up with pay rises of 2% and less? I also work for a company in the building trade.

We have had pay rises of less than 2%, two years running.

It is said that those on benefits are finding it a struggle. But I would say not as much as the low paid. People on benefits get additional help with dental care, prescriptions, housing tax, etc.

  • Kim Gay, St Nicholas Road, Portslade