MR Whitelegg had much to say about councillors’ allowances (Letters, September 26) but failed to point out that, although councillors are not ‘salaried’, the allowances still have tax and N.I. deducted from them.

If the elected members had salaries it would cost the council much more as a number of hours would have to be stipulated and then the minimum wage would have to be paid. This would cost considerably more than the current basic allowances.

At the moment Bournemouth council has a good mix of all ages, sexes and abilities. If councillors are required to work without any form of payment then we are looking at going back to the bad old days when only wealthy, retired, mainly men were available to stand.

CLLR SUE ANDERSON, Moordown