WE are all aware a major part of the problem with the economy in the North-East is due to the continuing use of the Barnett Formula in apportioning the national budget to the various regions of the country. Many years ago Lord Barnett himself was so disgusted at the formula’s continuing use and the resulting unfairness it caused he asked for his name to be removed from it.

Later, when we were threatened with a regional government, allegedly to improve matters in the North-East, he said it was unnecessary and all that needed to be done to improve the region was to remove his formula.

But over many years, there has been a marked lack of action against it from our North-East politicians of all parties. I was absolutely disgusted when I read that the leader of the Labour party, Ed Miliband, had told the Scots he had no plans to scrap the Barnett Formula (Echo, June 28). To me this says a great deal about what he and his party think about the North-East and its people.

This is nothing more than a kick in the teeth to all in the North-East who have voted Labour candidates into parliament for decades.

Imagine the shock and surprise I felt when I read a newly appointed Tory Treasury minister, Priti Patel, is calling for the Barnett Formula to be axed (Echo, July 16). The article went on to outline just how unfair the current system is and how it favours Scotland.

Will the current Government have the backbone to take heed of this call and will the Labour party have the guts to go along with it?

Somehow I doubt it, but we can at last be pleased someone other than Lord Barnett himself has woken up to the stupidity of continuing the infamous formula and unfairness and inequality it creates, and, unlike our current crop of North-East MPs, is at least trying to do something about it. All power to her elbow I say.

Tom Pattinson, Stanley.