ON THE one hand we have council leader James Alexander telling us how he wishes to rid York of poverty; and on the other he employs someone at a rate of £700 a day.

The council always seems able to find large sums of money to fund such salaries, yet seem unable to keep in touch with the needs and requirements of the majority of the electorate.

I am tired of hearing how we must pay enormous rates to secure competent staff: pity it doesn’t apply to rank-and-file council workers, who do an excellent job.

D McTernan, Fossway, York.