SO, WESTMINSTER City Council paid £5.8million in bonuses to senior staff last year, up from £5m the previous year. The bonuses are part of a 'performance-related pay' system operated by the Conservative-run council.

This is the same council which has put at risk £17m of public money by investing in now-failed Icelandic banks and is making 400 staff redundant because of a cash shortage. So what sort of 'performance' are we paying for exactly? Labour councillors are arguing for an end to the staff bonus system so that the money can be invested in front-line services for children, the elderly and vulnerable people. Surely this makes sense at a time of economic difficulties.

COUNCILLOR PAUL

DIMOLDENBERG Leader of the Labour Group

Westminster City Council City Hall, Victoria Street, SW1