I understand why Councillor Richard Cornelius is not aware of the council’s ceremonial cars (‘Council is in fact saving money’, Your views, June 26). I fell for a story published on April 1, 2009. But truth is stranger than fiction.

Cllr Cornelius mentions the Tory administration acquiring a second-hand Jaguar but not the new Mercedes limousine for the mayor. Such extravagance demolishes his claim that Barnet provides “value for money”, as cuts are made to essential local services and even to the pay off staff.

In his letter, Cllr Cornelius reveals that Labour and the Tories in Barnet have agreed to a further £72million cuts (which he calls savings) by 2020. With the main parties all supporting austerity, cuts and privatisation, it is no wonder that voters stay at home in record numbers.

A new political party is needed that speaks out for those who are paying the cost of an economic crisis that is not of their making. That is why Left Unity was launched last year with the support of filmmaker Ken Loach. And that’s why it will be supporting local teachers and council staff striking to defend public services, and decent pay and pensions.

Fred Leplat

Barnet Left Unity