The letter from Messrs. Gayler and Jones is breathtaking in its hypocrisy. I am surprised that Stephen Jones has let himself get sucked into such a political farce. To suggest a two per cent tax increase was planned since last summer is nonsense. If so of

The letter from Messrs. Gayler and Jones is breathtaking in its hypocrisy. I am surprised that Stephen Jones has let himself get sucked into such a political farce.

To suggest a two per cent tax increase was planned since last summer is nonsense. If so officers of the council, councillors and the area panels were deliberately misled. This is not behaviour of a properly organised administration.

The facts are simple. All the planning and paperwork were based on 4.5 per cent. Uttlesford District Council has overspent by a million pounds in two years. The reserves are shrinking rapidly and could disappear this year.

In March 2006 the Audit Commission raised many questions about the Council's financial competence. The fear is that Uttlesford could be in debt unless proper financial planning is put in place. We must act before it is too late.

Keith Eden

Friends Walk

Saffron Walden