AS a council taxpayer I was shocked to learn from your newspaper that five Wycombe district councillors held a secret session to agree an exceptional leaving pay package for the chief executive, Richard Cummins, and have hidden the figures of this handsome award behind a confidentiality clause.

Your political editor indicates that these five councillors may also do the same for other top officers at Wycombe District Council who are not prepared to agree to the impending management changes.

Where is the authority for this action?

What effect is it likely to have on future council taxes? Why is this information not made public?

Why are these officers receiving special treatment if they are resigning?

Is there a contractual arrrangment for which requires a payoff when they retire?

Will this action lead to other WDC staff demanding similar treatment?

These questions, and many more, must be answered by councillors and full details made public Arnie Parr, High Wycombe