SIR - The report in the T&A of April 11 about Bradford Council's top five earners was commented on in the editorial. In principle, acceptance of the six figure salaries was given on the basis CEOs in the private sector would earn substantially more when overseeing large organisations.

This comparison, in my view, is not able to be made. Whilst in no way condoning the often outrageous levels of pay to private sector CEOs, their existence is subject to the level of success of their organisations profitability, maintaining progress with competition and considering expansion/contraction whilst preventing predatory takeovers etc. All this whilst directing the organisation through subordinates. As has been demonstrated many times, CEOs fall from grace easily and regularly at the whim of market forces.

A council CEO or department head's only responsibility is to be seen to perform legally, fairly, within guidelines and achieve reasonable outcomes of service based on funding which now predominantly comes from central Government. Any problems, blame funding.

So jobs for life, large salaries and, I believe, bonuses, and pensions of a type most mortals can`t partake.

The salary levels are too high, bearing in mind the above and cuts being made on services.

Philip Crowther, Beckfield Road, Bingley