JAMES Alexander just cannot help himself in resorting to spin (Letters, May 8).

In front of me I have the breakdown statistics that came with our new council tax bill.

These are council figures, not mine. The government grant is £28.7 million out of a net expenditure of £124.1 million and a gross expenditure of £386 million.

Mr Alexander says the government grant is 40 per cent of the council’s income.

Conveniently to make his point stronger, Mr Alexander quotes the “gross” figure of £77 million spent on adult care. The statistics show that the “net” expenditure on adult care is 29 per cent of £124million, or £36 million.

Once again, smoke and mirrors are being employed.

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington