I READ an interesting article in the January 28 edition of the Swindon Advertiser on the subject of councillors' allowances.

I noted that the increase in allowances was proposed by the Swindon Independent Remuneration Panel. Who is this group of people who are proposing such a scandalous increase in councillors' allowances?

We, the tax-paying people of Swindon should know. And how many people sit on this panel? Have they any allegiance to the parties involved?

Please could we have some answers about this panel. Do the members of this panel claim allowances?

I would propose that the allowance increases are in line with the rate of inflation in this country, which would still be a lot higher than what a lot of employees and pensioners get.

R J ANNING Nythe, Swindon