MR BANFIELD tells Gwent councils to “fight the cuts, not impose them”, (Argus, 3 September).

He will know these cuts in our councils’ (and Welsh Government’s) budgets are being imposed by the ConDem Westminster government, with scant regard for their impact on the worst-off in our communities.

Mr Banfield may also know our councils are legally required to agree a balanced budget every year - if their budgets are cut, their expenditure must be cut. If councils refused to balance budgets, their chief executives would take over and impose a balanced budget - with no accountability to the local electorate.

I believe it’s better for our accountable councillors to set budgets with a view to minimising cuts’ worst impact on our communities, than irresponsibly to lose all influence on where the cuts may fall. And it’s better to point the finger of blame at the Tories and their LibDem accomplices, than to pretend our councils are responsible for the cuts.

Cllr Gez Kirby Pontllanfraith, Blackwood