I SUPPOSE it must be expected whenever we have a change of local government that we must endure the tit-for-tat sparring between the previous Labour council, which was getting a little too comfortable in the job, and the present ruling Liberal Democrats (Evening Press, Jan 18).

The York Barbican Centre has become just like the Labour Government's Millennium Dome, a black hole soaking up pounds of taxpayers' money. If, as stated by the Liberal Democrats numerous times, they took over a deficit of funds from the Labour council, then would it not be a good idea for any newly-appointed council to publish in the Evening Press a detailed "state of the city" declaration of finances, purchases ongoing and pending, future development plans, and so forth?

As it is, details only seem to trickle out when a crisis comes about, such as the state of York's swimming baths due to lack of funding and routine maintenance on the part of the last Labour administration.

I think the present administration is heading in the right direction by declaring why council tax bills keep rising above the inflation figure due to the lack of Labour Government funding.

I suppose it would be hard for the previous administration to admit that its own government is withholding cash from the city.

Bob Waite,

Windmill Rise, Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:18 Monday, January 23, 2006