Cllr Julian Brazil, of East Prawle, Kingsbridge, writes: I see a South Hams officer has entered the political fray in respect of public toilet charging and closures. I was under the impression it was the democratically elected councillors who took these decisions. Shouldn't a councillor, and especially one with executive responsibility, explain why these policy changes are such a good idea? Helen Dobby implies in her ­letter that if we didn't close or charge for public toilets then council tax would have to go up by 1.5 per cent. This is of course complete rubbish. The council could raise the extra money by charging for car parking at Follaton House. If you have to go to Derriford Hospital due to illness or to visit family or friends you have to pay, but if you work at Follaton House you can park for free. South Hams taxpayers may also be interested to know how we are subsidising the rubbish collection for many holiday homes by 100 per cent. These homes have switched to business rates and, due to government exemptions, pay no tax whatsoever. These same homes take advantage of our domestic brown and black bin waste ­collection scheme at no cost. The council could charge for this collection, but claims that without computers in the dust carts it is not feasible. Again, complete rubbish. South Hams is quite happy to close or charge for ­public toilets while at the same time people who let their holiday homes for hundreds and thousands a week have their rubbish collections paid for by us. These may be tough choices, but it doesn't mean it's the right choice.