• COUNCILLOR Gary Heather’s response to Councillor Caroline Russell appears as nothing short of “garyspinning”, (This council tax rise would hit poorest, March 17).

Gary’s list, with its references to “food on table”, “social care”, “leaving care”, “youth”, “employment” and “homes”, is indeed one to admire when he questions Cllr Russell’s attempt to look closely at the council budget for 2017, which included several stealth taxes affecting the poor (who have the least to start with).

What is missing is a definition of “residents” and a proper equalities impact assessment report, with sustainable policies and solutions to address these areas, in particular the impact on women and the working poor who have shouldered the greatest burden of tax, benefit changes and cuts to public spending since 2010.

Are we all to be “employed” as “sex workers” as a result of austerity?

We need progressive ways to generate and redistribute income from men to women (including children). I do not mean the continuation of the Tories’ “pay £4k to stay out of gangs for a while” funding.

GEORGIA CONSTANTINOU, N1