Thanks, Richard. > Thanks for the clarification on you views on the Council Tax increase. You're welcome. For the record I would like to state that I understand that SCDC did what they could and I personally appreciate that they are acting in the way that is best for the people they represent, rather than in a way that is most calculated to get them reelected. > On the question of who controls the Council you are correct in saying that a > lot of decisions are made by Cabinet. However I must point out that it only > has 3 Conservative members plus 3 Liberal Democrats and 2 Independents. As > one of the 2 Independents my vote does not follow any party line and I am > able to make each a judgement on the facts of each case. Richard, I (and everyone else on this list) know that you are a man of the highest integrity. I have always stated that I prefer my local politics free of party politics and this is why I actively supported your election campaign. With a ward to represent, our councillors will always be acting with this geographical focus in mind, making much of the differences of political positions negligible. The politics of the major parties are very close together as regards the entire political spectrum these days. This is rather a good thing IMO. Liz