I WRITE in response to Coun Ian Gillies’ statement about 14-point-size font and shorter reports.

Many of us (councillors, officers and residents alike) read reports, make notes in the margins and scribble further notes as the meeting and debate progresses.

Why should that be different for someone with a visual impairment? In fact that would potentially disadvantage them and in some cases prevent interaction and meaningful debate.

As for the length of reports, officers are always willing to expand on the content and are on hand at every meeting to answer any queries, as he well knows.

We are sent the reports in paper form and bring them along to the meeting, so it makes no real difference to him that they are shorter and in 14 point, as Coun Gillies can ask questions of the officers.

I think Coun Gillies will find most businesses have succinct papers that can allow for strategic decision making. Until now many council papers included waffle and hid important detail.

Finally, this does not cost any more than lengthy reports which some people cannot read due to the point size.

Coun Sonja Crisp, Labour cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion.