IN the week that the Chancellor takes another bite out of public service finances we should applaud the decision of Malvern Hills District Council, reported in last week’s Gazette, to set the wage of their lowest paid staff at the Living Wage level rather than the Minimum Wage.

This will indeed come at a cost, but at just over £2,000 this seems to be excellent value for money as it will sustain the families of these essential workers and save the broader public purse by reducing benefits.

Wouldn’t it be good if some of our bigger employers followed this lead and set their lowest pay rate at the living wage.

At the moment too many organisations use the benefits system as a wage subsidy by paying the lowest rate possible and setting hours to fall below the national insurance threshold knowing that the state will bridge the gap.

ROGER BRITTON Barnard’s Green