I cannot understand why the Government is to channel funds from the South to the North, thus creating a huge rise in our taxes.

When I moved to Brighton from Northumberland, I immediately noticed the decrease in my standard of living. The North has cheap houses, cheaper food and consumables yet its largest employer is the Government, which pays the same rates countrywide.

Our Northern friends have more disposable cash at the end of the month than us in the South - okay, the weather's not as good - so what, as in all things Labour, is the hidden agenda?

-Jan Young, Hove