MANY readers will have been consulted over the level of increase for the 2007/8 North Yorkshire Police budget.

It is stated that a five per cent increase would still leave a gap of £3 million, and this would have to be covered by the use of reserves or efficiencies or, of course, a higher percentage increase. I am a supporter of our well-led force, but is there an inference here that somehow if we don't agree?

Can anyone remind me what the reserves were when amalgamation was in consideration? £30 million comes to mind. And efficiencies - isn't that the priority of any private sector business? If those efficiencies have not already been assessed, something is wrong.

There should be a cause-and-effect consultation. How can we consider such a percentage increase request otherwise? And hasn't the Government suggested a five-per-cent capping level for councils?

K and D McSherry, district councillors, Hemingbrough Ward, Selby District Council.