It is not enough for the leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Lynne Hillan, to say she has “every empathy” for those affected by the upcoming cuts, (Times Series, February 24).

As leader, she should look closely at the cost of her chief executive and the directors of services and set about implementing the recommendation of the Government’s communities secretary Eric Pickles.

He states chief executives earning £20,000 or more, should take a ten per cent pay cut and directors of services earning more than £150,000 should take a five per cent pay cut. Cllr Hillan should also set about cutting the number of councillors per ward from three to two. As Barnet reduces its services, it needs fewer councillors and others to administer diminished services.

Harry Gluck
Chairman, Friern Barnet & Whetstone Residents Association