Recent letters from Mr Burns (Labour letter misunderstood, February 26) have expressed disappointment at the Labour Party's failure to respond to his question regarding Carer's Allowance and the party's broader plans for carers following this May's general election. Mr Burns is correct to raise these issues - people who care for their loved ones are under a huge amount of pressure and rarely get the recognition they deserve.

As Mr Burns points out in both of his letters, myself and my colleagues in the local Labour Party have been in regular contact and have done everything possible to get a detailed answer from the relevant Westminster politicians. I'm pleased to report that Liz Kendall's office has now provided information about the party's plans for carers and that I am working with the office of Rachel Reeves MP to clarify the situation with regards to Carer's Allowance itself.

Although I empathise with Mr Burns, it must be noted that Labour Party policy has to go through a number of stages before it is announced to the public. Unlike other parties, every commitment that Labour makes ahead of May will be fully costed. This process takes time, but it means that each and every one of our pledges can be trusted.

I'm grateful that Mr Burns has recognised that Labour's local representatives have been proactive and supportive during his attempts to clarify national party policy. I look forward to receiving news from Ms Reeves and hope that Mr Burns will reconsider his view. A vote for Labour certainly isn't a waste.

Councillor Dan Stevens

Labour Group Leader / Court Ward councillor