YOUR correspondent Mr Stratton (October 7) is only partly right in his claims about why the council turned down a request for funding to cover the administrative tasks associated with the Older Persons Assembly (we have received no recent grant application from the separate advocacy group).

Earlier in the year, the Liberal Democrat Council changed expenditure priorities and found an additional £850,000 to fund improved travel arrangements for pensioners and those with a disability.

Benefits included the choice of a discounted parking pass, quarter fare bus travel or £50 worth of travel tokens.

This was the largest ever improvement for pensioner benefits in the city. We now offer one of the best travel packages made available to older people by any council in the country.

In addition, the council launched a benefits campaign in the spring which has seen scores of pensioners learn of, and apply successfully for, ten of thousands of pounds in additional allowances and income.

The council's expenditure level is effectively capped. We have done our best for our senior citizens.

I don't believe that most pensioners would begrudge the council adjusting its economic development budget to help fund the Christmas lights.

I doubt if many would wish to reduce the value of their new travel package in order to pay for bureaucracy - whether it be in the Guildhall or within a voluntary organisation.

Steve Galloway,

Leader,

City of York Council,

Guilhall, York.

Updated: 10:56 Monday, October 11, 2004