I REFER to both the levels of Government funding for the Town, and GM Police service for 2006/7, reported in Bolton Evening News, December 9.

In respect of council tax levels with OAP pensions rising by 2.7 per cent(RPI increase for September 2005) in April 2006, and the expected withdrawal of the council tax support payment of £200 per annum for 2006/7 it seems likely that those on low pensionable incomes will suffer the worst financial positions to meet their obligations.

The Police Service must be supported for its funding increase pro-rata by BMBC providing a full explanation is given to the communities of Bolton to cover the required sum necessary for 2006/7. Merely to state it needs £13.785 million is not acceptable particularly as its Police Authority is unelected, undemocratic, and unaccountable.

The current Labour Government is clearly short of funds despite boasting about our national economy being the fourth strongest in the world.

Vast sums have been wasted for example on the war in Iraq, Europe (where the auditors refuse to sign off the annual accounts yet again!) regional assemblies not sought by the public, excess perks for politicians in both Houses of Parliament.

Ainslie Casson's comments on December 9 for an elected Mayor has some merit, however an elected Mayor would suffer the same constraints our current council have.

If we have a sound economy then there should be no shortfalls in council and police funding. Unfortunately spin, not fact, is the preferred political approach at the start of this century.

Communities should be closely involved in their towns and cities, they are not, and until this changes our financial and other services will not meet expectations.

Graham Pike

Bromley Cross