Sir, – I note with interest the appeal for foodstuffs for those in need from Hambleton District Council and of course will respond. What right minded person would not?

But for heaven's sake ... when will councillors wake up to the fact that it is the austerity measures imposed by the political parties they represent that make such appeals necessary? Your piece describes the recipients as less fortunate. Fortune has nothing to do with it. They like all of us are victims of a cruel ideology forced on us by a government (local as well as national in our case) that is determined to make the less well off pay for the so-called recovery.

Of course, many people will respond to the appeal. It's Christmastime and it is in the here and now that foodstuffs and treats are needed. But I would make an appeal to the councillors and officers of Hambleton District Council as well as the wider donors: please look to the future, think about where you place your vote and elect people that will give us all the dignity of a decent minimum income whether from work or from benefits. Lady Bountiful belongs in the 19th century.

ADRIENNE ALLISON

Pennine View, Romanby, Northallerton.