perhaps now we have had the anniversary of September 11, firefighters in this country will come back to earth and realise they cannot cash in on international goodwill.

Messrs Docherty and Parrott (Letters, September 11) display an incredibly narrow outlook. Mr Docherty admits he has a second job. Give it up and claim Working Families' Tax Credit - that is what it is for. It was introduced by this Government to cover people with children.

It is only like family allowances so why do firefighters feel they are above claiming it?

Mr Parrott's assertion that the pay claim would cost only an extra 41p a week per household is extraordinary. Does he think it is the only extra cost that will occur for local authorities?

Even without similar pay awards, this would mean a hike in council tax and set the dangerous precedent of allowing a 40 per cent rise. Imagine its effect on other workers' pay claims.

-David Robins, Brentwood Road, Brighton