On reading Cllr Leverett’s unjustified and condescending attack on Poole Liberal Democrats (Have Your Say, June 13) my initial reaction was one of anger, but on reflection it seemed more appropriate to respond in a more positive manner.

I welcome the fact that Cllr Leverett at last recognises that council tax is an unfair system, something the Liberal Democrats have understood for a long time. Furthermore it would appear that his insistence on adjusting the council’s charges according to ability to pay reflects a realisation that a local income tax would be a fairer system.

What concerns me though is the fact that if the proposed changes to social services charges are implemented then those users not cut out of the system will be faced with an overall increase in contributions of 112 per cent. This is an extortionate increase and can hardly be described as fair, especially when this council has just revealed it has an underspend of £3.4 million for the last financial year.

Cllr Mike Brooke, Leader, Liberal Democrat Group on Poole Borough Council