Having recently contested a seat at council elections, I have taken a particular interest in the election material and claims made by each respective political party.

Disappointingly, this has resulted in considerable confusion in some respects.

For example, within the ward in which I live St Paul Malmesbury Without and Sherston the initial leaflet received from the Liberal Democrat district council candidates made an assurance "the point scoring brawling just makes me sad."

This was an interesting, if not an unfortunate choice of words given that hot on the heels of that communication came another one highlighting the 10.8 per cent Tory council tax bombshell.

The increase referred to a county council increase of course, and not district council increase.

As such, one could protest that the argument the point scoring was not particularly relevant.

However, as the Liberal Democrats appeared bent on "proving" that you can't trust the Tory on tax, this half-truth needs to be investigated further.

At the outset one needs to be reminded that, as a general principle county council is responsible for non-discretionary expense that is those essential expenses over which there is no choice: roads, education, police.

Those costs, therefore, are by nature dictated by demand not necessarily choice.

As such, central Government assists in the provision of these services by providing a grant.

District council expenses tend to be more discretionary costs realised through choice rather than directive.

To return to the 10.8 per cent increase in council tax at county council then, the Liberal Democrats have failed to provide all the detail.

Firstly the increase was agreed of necessity as a direct result of the Government reducing grants for providing essential services by £6 million and secondly, that the Liberal Democrats themselves proposed an increase of 10.7 per cent together with a cut in services

Happily, in Pewsham ward, where I successfully won a seat as Conservative district councillor, my personal experience of the Liberal Democrat candidates who contested the ward with me, was of good nature and good humour, and I look forward to serving the people of Pewsham alongside Sylvia Doubel effectively and thoroughly, as I know Sylvia will also.

Coun HowardGreenman

Chippenham