In recent weeks the media have exposed the 22-year-old woman who lives with her boyfriend in the Midlands with her six children, (she plans to have more), pays no council rent or council tax and receives more than £2,100 a week in benefits.

This year, as last year, I tried to pay my council tax over 12 months instead of 10 months.

Within days I received a letter from the council to say that if I didn't pay the amount over 10 months, then I would be taken to court and have the money taken directly from my pay.

When I asked how many unmarried mothers in the town do not pay rent or council tax, I was told it was none of my business.

I dread to think what the total is for the town.

When my daughter and her boyfriend tried to get their names on the council housing list, they were told they had no chance.

Yet, if she went back and told them she was pregnant, she would have a property in no time.

If MP Michael Wills states he does not know why the number of unmarried mothers in Swindon is so high, he should live in the real world.

If the parents of these girls were made to pay all their bills then the total would drop overnight.

I'm sure if some party made it their policy to make these girls pay their way, they would receive the votes and thanks of decent taxpayers throughout the UK.

T Reynolds

Wheeler Avenue