COME next May’s election it will be time to take your pick again. I would like to see some promises.

First is changing the way the BBC is funded by allowing limited advertising and half government-funding. This would save the licence fee of £145 per year.

Second, limiting train fares to a maximum of 20 pence per mile; currently some people may pay 30 pence a mile. Until 1968, British Rail used a rigid price formula of 3.25d per mile (1.35p in decimal money) and this works out to be about 20 pence a mile now.

Third, scrap HS2, saving each person about £800.

Fourth, scrap government plans for smart energy meters, saving about £400 per household. I have a plug-in device that tells me the consumption and costs about a £5.

If they promise anything, then do not deliver, their pay should be cut by 30 per cent. If a party or candidate can support any of these measures, they may gain my vote.

Colin Clarke, The Crescent, Stamford Bridge.