WHEN I served on the city council it was always a strict rule that the council officers should remain non political.

The letter from Simon Wiles, head of Financial Services (April 1) would have done credit to a Labour Party spin doctor.

Mr Wiles may claim that he was only stating facts, but we all know the choice of facts is highly selective.

While he stated at length the council's virtues, one cannot see him being as forthcoming on the council's deficiencies.

Decisions as to the rate of council tax, the sale of assets and use of proceeds are political. They are made by politicians elected and now paid to do so.

The answers to any criticism of these decisions is surely best left to those who make them and not to council officials.

John Clout (Hon Alderman),

Acomb Road,

York.

Updated: 11:05 Friday, April 12, 2002