LIKE many people, along with my colleagues on the city council, I was astounded to read the report on the recently appointed interim director for city and environmental services.

The final paragraph of the item was very interesting in that a spokesman for the Labour Group stated the £700 per four-day week would cost less than the permanent post that was replaced.

Now I readily admit that maths was not my best or favourite subject at school, but I can’t for the life of me work out where the savings are. Please will the spokesman explain?

I suspect the long-suffering residents of York are yet again being treated to something akin to the Emperor’s new clothes.

John C Galvin, Conservative councillor, Bishopthorpe ward, City of York Council.