The decision of Barnet’s leading councillors to award themselves huge rises of up to 40 per cent in allowances is deplorable.

Their greed, with the honourable and shining exception of Kate Salinger, is breathtaking in its arrogance.

They speak of serving the public, but their contempt for the communal interest shows them to be unworthy of trust and morally bankrupt.

The country’s economy is in chaos and the Government has told us that we must all make savings.

It beggars belief that these disdainful self-seekers openly and brazenly think they can justify such disgraceful cupidity.

Barnet used to be a beacon of excellence, and I was proud to work here.

These people have sullied that reputation. They should be ashamed to call themselves council leaders.

Barbara Thorne, retired headteacher, Grove Road, North Finchley