I WOULD like to assure John Willis that East End Life’ is not facing a funding black hole’ and neither will it cost council taxpayers �1 million this year. To suggest Tower Hamlets is acting illegally’ is also wrong

Dear Ed,

I WOULD like to assure John Willis that 'East End Life' is not facing a funding 'black hole' and neither will it cost council taxpayers �1 million this year ('We pay for council party political freesheet out of our taxes,' Advertiser Website Letters, November 23).

This figure, originally reported and corrected over two months ago, related to a mid-year budget correction. We continuously review these figures and we're taking action to ensure its budget will be on track by the end of the year.

To suggest Tower Hamlets council is acting 'illegally' is also wrong. 'East End Life' complies fully with the Local Government Act Code of Practice on Publicity. We have a duty to inform local people and the paper enables us to speak directly to residents at a net cost of 2.3p a copy each week, a small price to keep people informed for an authority spending �1 billion on services.

Cllr Joshua Peck (Lab)

Deputy Leader

Tower Hamlets Council

Town Hall, Blackwall