Frankly, I’m shocked and a little bit hurt by James Morris’ response to our letter (Halesowen News, January 31).

Nobody criticised the work of the Black Country Food Bank; in fact, we pointed out how important its services are in these straitened times, and I know some of my fellow councillors are working hard to establish similar projects in their own wards, as indeed am I.

Also, I’d like to point out that although the BCFB was set up in 2006 he conveniently neglects to mention that the number of people being referred to food banks has fairly exploded in the past two years. To be accused by James Morris of making ‘cheap political points’ is, to put it mildly, a bit rich. Who can forget his own pre-election campaign to ‘save’ a hospital (Rowley Regis) that was never due to close, for example? To pose as an injured party at any hint of criticism of his government’s record is pure cynicism and an insult to the people that have lost their jobs, homes or gone hungry as a result of its policies.

The same goes for his attack on benefit claimants. It’s classic Tory divide and rule – trumpet the small minority that abuse the system and ignore the millions of people that work long hours for low pay or, worse still, are condemned to unemployment by a lack of opportunities. It’s odd he chose to reference Child Tax Credits though, as they’re a notable Coalition botch job. The bill allowed for families with a combined income thousands of pounds in excess of an MP’s salary to keep theirs.

To denounce all 11 of our councillors in the most strident terms has a slight air of desperation to it, as does his recent decision to put out a leaflet in Rowley Regis proudly proclaiming his opposition to gay marriage. Perhaps James realises that he’s now running out of time almost as fast as he ran out of ideas.

John Tipper, Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor