How do you define affordable?

RE: NORTH Somerset Life, issue 36. Once again residents are asked for their views, this time on the priorities set out by Councillor N Ashton and colleagues. In my opinion what has been laid out makes sense. Unfortunately, there comes the question, how is the council going to raise the money for these priorities and over what period of time? It's common knowledge that the Government has short changed North Somerset Council on its budget, so the money will have to come from the council tax. How do you define affordable when most rises in the cost of living are above the inflation rate? Pensioners and young families on benefits are set to receive only inflation rate rises. It is alleged there is a £16m underspend. But I hope we have seen the last of consultant fees being paid when there are council staff who should be capable. When you ask for our views, are you going to heed them? You don't listen too well when the topic of the Tropicana comes up. Would you and your colleagues be prepared to hold a referendum on the Tropicana issue? You could use some of the £16m underspend to organise a vote.P J MAIN - Axe Close, Weston