I am sure I am not alone in thinking that the burghers who sit in the Civic Offices have once again failed to appreciate the predicament which surrounds the Social Services department.

The budget overspend is a situation entirely of their own making, as it is clear they have failed to exercise any form of fiscal control whatsoever.

I am reminded of the words of the Director of Finance, who recently claimed to have no management responsibility for this department and suggested his input was "limited to expressing concern".

This, of course, is the same officer who considered it good value to spend an extra £800,000 awarding the Atkins contract to another dubious service provider.

If the Director of Finance really believes his role is simply to "express concern" when departments are in such disarray, it is little wonder that the council lurches from one crisis to another.

Before the council commits to a programme of assisting Kent County Council by taking in further asylum seekers, I suggest it sorts itself out and recognises the responsibilities it has towards the people of the borough.

Des Morgan

Caraway Drive, Swindon