Following the disclosure that taxpayers have lost £300,000 following the collapse of the North Yorkshire Credit Union, we are told by ex-councillor Liz Edge, who initiated this failed enterprise ten years ago, that today’s council members have “no option” but to pump a further £100,000 into the South Yorkshire Credit Union.

Well, I think there is another alternative. Don’t risk other people’s money. All those members who vote to fund this outside credit union so it can operate here should underwrite the risk themselves. So, if the South Yorkshire Credit Union doles out money to applicants who never pay it back the losses incurred will be made up out of the allowances and expenses of those councillors who thought it was a good idea and voted for it.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.