SIR — I wasn't surprised to read that West Somerset Council is looking into ways of how to minimise payouts to staff in a review of final pay for those made redundant in the latest round of cuts (Free Press October 22).

But I was incensed to read a huge article on whether the executive director should be renamed chief executive so that he may receive more credibility when dealing with other local authorities.

Furthermore, to think this trivial matter is going to be put to councillors for approval, was backed by the council's scrutiny committee and will now have to be backed by its cabinet.

It's no coincidence that the renaming to chief executive will give the postholder additional employment protection.

In English that probably reads as "bigger payout when it all goes wrong".

It was great to read that a human resourses consultant has been employed to draw up a report on the issue - at least we know our Council Tax is going to good use.

Perhaps if the money was spent on other council services, the present finance portfolio holder Cllr Kate Kravis wouldn't have to think of the council as "poor little West Somerset".

Chris Carter,

Woodcombe,