IN response to the letter about “vicious cuts” (Echo March 30) I was first of all surprised that the writer could get away without putting his name and address and it was given such a high profile position. I do not agree that it was just the banks that got us into this mess. The main culprit was the last Labour government which was over spending for years before the crisis.

When we needed extra resources there was nothing left. Public services are paid for by taxpayers and, at the end of the day – there needs to be a reasonable balance between income and expenses.

We all know there is still considerable waste in public services and this has to be addressed. The amount of spending will only go back to 2007 levels at the end of these reductions. The private sector needs to be supported and taxes need to be cut.

IAN CLARK, Cucklington Gardens, Bournemouth