IN SEPTEMBER’S Newport Matters, we’re told council funding is going to be cut, 13% this year, so it has to make some careful decisions on where to spend our money. While only 12 per cent of its budget comes from council tax, it failed to point out that through other taxes and money we fork out for goods and services, we fund most of what local and central government spend.

To reduce the amount of rubbish we throw away, the council is going to replace our existing 240ltr wheelie bins with smaller 180ltr, which may be OK for those who are an average family, whatever that means, but isn’t this going to cost money and produce its own waste.

Furthermore, the Docks Way recycling centre now closes at 4.15p.m. Fine if you’re not working 5 days a week or doing something else at weekends, or don’t mind queuing when it is open.

Also, no mention of the jointly-funded incinerator that’s being built to burn and produce energy from Newport and other council’s waste, which will further reduce the amount going to landfill once it’s operational.

Dave Fothergill St Julian’s Avenue Newport