Mr G Kennedy is either very rich or very naive in his response to mine and others' comments and feelings about councillors' expense increases (Letters, December 5).

If he's happy with the situation, good for him. The point I was trying to get across was the timing of the increase coming so close to our being informed council tax hikes were again going to be high.

I felt, in the light of this information, they may well have exercised some common sense and discretion and allowed us to get over the shock before turning the knife again.

I stand by my comments and am sure I speak for the majority of taxpayers.

With inflation running around three per cent and most of our wage increases reflecting this, why should they be able to hike up their expenses to such an extent?

I would like to know where we can see the hours they spend on council business and their detailed expense sheets.

I have only four years before I will be able to retire (at the age of 65) and, at this rate, I can see most of my pension going to pay the council tax.

-John K Grinstead, Brighton