Sir.-I agree wholeheartedly with those who raised complaints about Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council pledging money toward tsunami relief.

The wake of this terrible event has demonstrated more than adequately that the people of this country are quite capable of putting their hands in their pockets and doing whatever else they can to help those poor souls affected by this tragedy.

It is an affront, however, when those who have, I believe, extracted our money (by which I mean central and local government) seek to bolster their own political standing and polish their social consciences with our money.

It matters not whether the money pledged amounted to a penny or a pound per household. It's a simple matter of principle. Politicians seem to forget whose money it is that they spend with such gay abandon.

Basingstoke council should concentrate on getting best value for our money and serving the interests of the local community.

If their plan had proceeded, I'm sure they'd have been happy to blame central government for having to raise council taxes again in the spring.

-Name and address supplied, Basingstoke.

Sir.-I am astounded by people's arrogance and "holier-than-thou" attitude.

It has already been pointed out that the council has no legal or moral grounds for disposing of local taxpayers' money (directly or indirectly) in this way.

Everyone I have spoken to supports this view.

Can it be that those in support of the donation have not bothered to contribute to any fund and are happy to have it done by the council on their behalf?

May I respectfully remind them that they can still make a donation to the appeal - as much as they wish. I do note, though, that at least one charity has now closed its appeal, so hurry.

I already have made, for me, a significant donation. I suspect the vast majority of people have done the same.

How dare anyone suggest we are mean.

-Mr L Dunley, Kempshott Lane, Basingstoke.