Start in the council first

The allowances are printed in the Echo in the public notices section.

There are 75 councillors each with basic allowances of £8,369 plus extra for being a portfolio holder or committee member – the cost is massive.

On top of that, they can claim a car allowance and meal allowances.

I had to take sandwiches and pay for my petrol out of my wages.

Why is the council leader keeping quiet about the golden goodbyes? It is our money, we have a right to know.

This council is wasting money all over yet blames the Government.

I bet there are people in the city who can remember when councillors did it for the honour of representing Sunderland, a cup of tea and a biscuit if they were lucky.

So start inside the council first and not on the people.

G Liddler

Roker