THERE have been a number of misguided and inaccurate letters and articles in the local press recently about the twinning and funding arrangements by Amersham Town Council.

THERE have been a number of misguided and inaccurate letters and articles in the local press recently about the twinning and funding arrangements by Amersham Town Council.

It is appropriate that the inaccuracies are now corrected and Amersham Town Council is therefore making the following statement to clarify and correct these misconceptions.

Unlike district and county councillors, town and parish councillors do not receive any attendance allowances or expenses for duties they perform within the town. All such duties are voluntary and time given freely.

However councillors and officers may be paid expenses for official and courtesy visits whether inside or outside of the United Kingdom on behalf of the town council under the Local Government Act 1972 S176.

Since 1979, Amersham Town Council has traditionally resolved each year which councillors and officers will officially represent the town council and travel at public expense on twinning events.

All the costs are separately and clearly identified in the council's accounts under twinning expenses rather than being hidden, as is done in many other towns, in the Mayors' expenses. Other councillors, partners or visitors may travel only at their own expense.

D Knowles

Town Clerk

Amersham Town Council

King George V Road

Amersham