THE TaxPayers’ Alliance has revealed that the equivalent of 2,840 full time public sector staff work for trade unions – more than the British Transport Police has officers. The figure does not take account of the money handed out in the form of free office space, free heating, lighting and IT support.

The unions really are on a good thing here.

Freedom of Information answers have already revealed that Durham County Council gives over four offices at County Hall to unions and, despite other clients being charged, the unions pay nothing.

Let their be no doubt, other public sector organisations will be exactly the same.

I am not against moderate unions or the work they carry out, but is it really that unreasonable to suggest the unions should pay for all of these activities from their own considerable subscriptions?

This sickening abuse of taxpayers’ money should be stopped immediately. The unions can’t have it both ways, talking up the cuts and then quietly accepting taxpayers’ money that could be used for local services.

Jim Tague, Bishop Auckland.