I WAS stunned and mystified by the revelation from Michael Wills MP for North Swindon, letters, Jan 21.

Mr Wills said that since Labour came to power central government has increased its proportion of funding to Swindon Council by 56 per cent. Over seven years this is an average increase of eight per cent per annum while inflation has remained very much lower.

Additionally, every year during this same period, Swindon Council has persistently increased council tax. Despite receiving this huge amount of additional funding the Labour Group only succeeded in making it one of the worst performing councils in the country.

The Swindon taxpayer has been dealt a triple blow. First, tax paid to central government has been squandered. Second, council tax they paid to Swindon Council has been squandered and third, value they received for money through public service delivery has been appalling.

Radical action is required to rectify this dreadful mess. It is to be hoped that the current administration have the necessary determination and tenacity.

(Mrs) E FELL

Wroughton