I read with interest the letter by K B Carey in the Guardian, December 16, and agree with the main thrust of his argument against Croydon councillors' proposals to vote themselves massive increases.

But I would like to add that there are tenants' organisations called Customer Panels which in conjunction with Residents' Associations cover all parts of the borough.

To my knowledge, there are at present 11 Customer Panels. These are made up of tenants, leaseholders and Residents' Associations' members and are used by the council to approve and monitor council services.

These Customer Panels are independent and meet about four times a year and there is still time for the council to approach them. The council could then gain approval or disapproval, as the case maybe.

Otherwise, can I suggest that no councillor to my knowledge indicated in their election manifestos that they felt the privilege to represent their constituents should be dependent on a vast increase in allowances paid to councillors.

Or maybe all councillors should resign and place themselves up for re-election on the basis of whether they support the increases or not?

MALCOLM FELBERG

Chairman

Thornton Heath & South Norwood Customer Panel

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