THE newly elected Conservative-led Swindon BC are fortunate in that not much is required to improve on the disastrous Labour controlled administration of the last few years.

On behalf of the Swindon Fairness for Pensioners Group, however, I have advised council Leader Mike Bawden that we shall be expecting a low or zero council tax increase next year and a stringent examination of all council expenditure, including grants to voluntary services.

In company with many of my fellow citizens I have a vested interest in how my £66 per month council tax is being disposed of.

Coun Bawden could not have believed his luck when the unholy alliance of Lab & Lib Dem councillors shot themselves in both feet by forcing through an additional one per cent council tax increase on a false prospectus.

FRANK AVENELL

Beckhampton Street