SIR – Although I differ in political persuasion to county councillors John Buckley and Rob Peachey, I could not agree more when they condemn the erosion of local democracy.

When the former arrangement of council committees was swept away by the Government, we were told that the new cabinet system would lead to quicker decisions, although I see no evidence that this has happened. The disadvantage is that decisions no longer benefit to the same extent as formerly from the wealth of experience and knowledge that may lie among other members of a council.

Ironically, the burden upon ordinary councillors has increased as their powers have diminished.

Bureaucracy, fed by continuous government interference, has grown like a cancer. Yet no amount of work can disguise the reality that most councillors now have less opportunity to influence decisions than in the past.

Unfortunately, the situation can only get worse as the Government imposes changes upon councils that will concentrate power still further in the hands of one person.

MARY DRINKWATER, Worcestershire County Councillor.