LABOUR councillors Sandy Fraser and Joe Riches (Letters, March 5) misunderstand the fact that although we did not change more of their budget we agreed with it.

This is not the case – to quote the old saying, “We would not be starting from here”, but there were many things we were unhappy with.

However, there is no point trying something which would definitely fail as the Labour whips do their worst.

Like most people in York we don’t want money taken away from vulnerable children to go to the trade unions, but we know Labour councillors are wedded to this.

Our amendment would have controlled Labour’s war on the motorist, frozen council tax and stopped even more of Labour’s huge but vague borrowing, especially Coun Alexander’s new vanity pot.

These were key residents’ concerns and we hoped Labour may listen; but predictably they didn’t.

In terms of budget savings, one obvious one was taking away the extra Cabinet member, Coun Fraser, and his £14,700 special allowance for ‘community safety’.

One thing our group certainly is confused on is what Coun Fraser has achieved for his pay.

Coun Chris Steward (Conservative), Dewsbury Court, York.