AS recently reported in The Northern Echo, I understand that Dominic Cummings had two property conversions, both done without planning permission on the family owned site near Durham City.

The Valuations Office Agency has said that too much time has passed since they were converted in 2002 to now be able to “back claim” rates but there is a big difference between the council not claiming rates on properties in public view and those hidden away.

And, of course, people only became aware of this as Mr Cummings was forced to reveal their existence - he didn’t actually pop along to the council and tell them!

I also understand that the property values are only £40k which are ridiculously low for their location and it also sets a dangerous precedent for anyone to build something hidden away on private land without permission and not tell anyone - it saves a small fortune!

If the VSA is hiding behind a law which plainly wasn’t intended to be interpreted in this way it is wrong and justice in this matter not only must be done, it must be seen to be done!

Ian Thompson, Spennymoor.