I found the report of cost cutting plans by Somerset County Council (Free Press September 7) quite shocking.

By the council’s own admission, the plan outlined shows the greatest burden will fall on those least able to afford it, for example though cuts to rural road salting, compulsory “unpaid leave” for staff, reduced support for youth, early help and learning disability programmes.

In any organisation, a shortfall in the resources needed for services can be addressed in one of two ways - either increase your income or reduce the services provided.

In Scandinavian countries the former approach is favoured. They pay higher taxes, which means those most able to afford it pay the most. Most people are happy with this and appreciate the excellent services they have.

We, on the other hand, choose the low cost option, which means more cuts every year and worsening services for those most in need, yet we still grumble about our taxes, so no-one is happy!

Is this the kind of society we want? Perhaps a rethink of our priorities is needed.

Cherry Bird, West Somerset Green Party.