I AM stunned to learn that £13 of what I pay in rent a week is going to fund houses in other cities in England ('Short changed', June 23).

As one of those who pay full rent, I knew a certain percentage went to subsidise those in council accommodation who are on housing benefit.

This is bad enough, but to subsidise people in other authorities is tantamount to robbery.

We are led to believe we now have a listening Government.

Well, pin back your ears Mr Blair. Stop gallivanting all over the world being the Big I Am promising people our money and start putting it where it belongs - back to the taxpayers that you and your Government cronies rip from our pockets. Start investing in the UK.

John Sutherland,

Barfield Road,

Muncaster,

York.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, June 25, 2005