I AM writing in response to the letter by John Craven ('Councillors won't lose out', February 28).

City of York Council members receive a basic allowance together with payments which reflect the special responsibilities of the individual member.

The level of basic and responsibility allowances are set by an independent remuneration panel which has no councillors on it. The present level of allowances were set by the panel in August 2000 and reviewed in February 2003.

The full basic allowance of £5,043 has been paid to all members since August 2000. This was raised to £5,862 in April 2003 as recommended by the panel.

However, special responsibility payments to members are now being held to around 74 per cent of the level recommended by the panel.

In addition, to help with the council's budget position, members have agreed that all allowances will be frozen at their present level and there will be no increases next year.

Simon Wiles,

Director of resources,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place, York.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, March 11, 2004