Every time Labour leader Tony Newman comments on the council's finances he reveals he hasn't a clue what he's talking about.

A few weeks ago he was predicting a council tax increase of six per cent or further cuts in council services.

In fact, bills are going up by just 3.6 per cent, the lowest increase for six years and there are no further cuts.

Now he says the increase is being used to pay for mistakes by the Conservative administration.

For the record, all of the money raised will go towards improved services like borough-wide kerbside collection of garden waste, plastic and cardboard for recycling, extra Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers and investment to improve behaviour in our schools and attainment in the key subjects of English, maths and science.

Your article about the council tax increase didn't mention any of these improvements but it did list all the difficult decisions we have had to make.

It's hardly surprising that Coun Newman should seek to mislead people, though it's a bit rich given that he was one of those responsible for the 27 per cent increase a few years ago that was a direct result of the mess he and his colleagues got the council's finances into.

Let's hope Coun Newman is never allowed near the council's finances again.

COUNCILLOR GAVIN BARWELL, Cabinet member for resources, Croydon Council