Please don’t be fooled by this political point scoring; 53 to 28 voted in favour of an allowance rise of one per cent in general and up to 36 per cent for the leader.

I would hazard a guess that the opposition leader led the No vote even though his leader of the opposition allowance will increase considerably, and more importantly, he will take it.

It is far too easy to stamp your feet and shout no to an increase to impress the public when you know only too well you have no chance of winning. If they are really really so bothered then don’t take the increase. No one is forcing you to.

Of course that will never happen. How do you think the vote would have gone if it was an individual vote to accept an increase or not. You can guarantee an almost unanimous yes, because in my experience as a past councillor, they all really want the increases and it’s verging on dishonesty to say otherwise, and they do earn it.

As for all the complaints about cabinet members and the leaders increases, stop whinging about it. Climb off your settees (Mr Evans) and have a go at the job yourselves.

The leader works many many more hours than most of you in what is often a thankless task and earns every penny, as believe it or not does the Lib Dem opposition leader who could try a little honesty after I’m sure, taking his increase.

As for the unions complaining? What a joke. Their leaders earn a great deal more for doing a great deal less. Tell your members Sue Anderson, what your bosses earn or just shut up. Wiltshire remains the best county in the country to live in for a reason.

Well done Jane Scott and your council.

PS. Note to Councillors Chivers and Osborn. Nobody wants your stupid Supermarket Levy. Another populist rant that common sense will prevent.

Mark Griffiths, Vinescroft, Trowbridge.