PAULINE Church is not someone elected by the people of Salisbury. She is the Wiltshire councillor for Wilton.

Having therefore played no part in drawing up our city’s budget, she attempted to pull it apart in last week’s Postbag.

Her letter contained criticisms of our financial reports which have since been explained in a private letter to her.

But let’s look at her words: “With the Conservative group in opposition, our place on the council is to scrutinise the decisions the leaders make.”

Read: Salisbury City Council tax increase 'unacceptable'

“Our place” is an odd phrase to use, for someone who isn’t a city councillor.

It sounds as if she is speaking with a ‘party hat’ on, and I suspect there is a desire by her party to divert attention from the woes of the government and the unitary authority system.

Our city council maintain some of essential services that Wiltshire initially took over from the old Salisbury District, such as public toilets and street cleaning.

It’s no wonder, as central funding was slashed, that Wiltshire were glad to get shot of them again.

But Wiltshire didn’t reduce their tax for Salisbury citizens when they handed back these liabilities.

And in 2018/19, in order to make ends meet, a Tory administration had to raise the city precept by 69 per cent.

I don’t remember Richard Clewer and John Glen pronouncing themselves “very, very disappointed” in the national media at that time, as they did last week after we, in turn, had to hike the precept.

Well, I’m very, very disappointed too. About political cynicism and the terrible state of public finances. Nobody actually wants to raise people’s taxes.

But if it has to be done, it would be best if it could be done on an all-party basis. Unfortunately the Conservatives have repeatedly refused to get involved.

Annie Riddle

Independent City Cllr for Harnham West