I WOULD like to comment on the article ‘Council says “enough is enough” with austerity’, (Hereford Times, May 21) which I feel needs clarifying.

The problem for authorities is the rising cost of care. Care already absorbs almost all the money we collect in council tax. Rising costs and falling income mean that further savings must be made but cutting alone is not sustainable. Solutions may be to combine the budgets of health and care and to change the way care is provided.

It is on this subject, and not on austerity, as stated in the article, that we need the influence of all MPs. Jesse Norman and Bill Wiggin always have and will continue to support us and both have secured additional funding.

Government funding for local authorities will decline because it will defend budgets for education, health and defence and continue to reduce the deficit.

So the choice is simple – reduce costs and live within our means or increase the burden of more borrowing on your children.

This administration has delivered its manifesto and stayed within budget for the last two years. It aims to keep doing so.

This administration also sticks to its priorities of protecting the vulnerable, giving children the best start and giving everyone a better future by investing in the economy of Herefordshire for jobs, higher pay and houses.

TONY JOHNSON Leader, Herefordshire Council