The world of local authorities is not always governed by the laws of common sense. Council chiefs are often tied up in red tape and levels of bureaucracy that can delay key decisions for years and lead to residents tearing their hair out in frustration at the lack of progress.

Every bit of spending is also put under the microscope – after all it is the public's money being used.

In no better way is this demonstrated than in the tales of two Gloucestershire councils in this newspaper today.

On one hand, Gloucester City Council has been accused of squandering taxpayers' money by spending more than £40,000 on refreshments at meetings.

And on the other, an urgent review has been ordered after council chiefs in Tewkesbury were accused of spending Government money meant for building flood defences on staff wages.

In both cases the central issue boils down to a perceived waste of taxpayers' money.

There is always outrage from those of us that pay taxes when it seems council money is being wasted.

Quite understandably we are not pleased when we hear councillors are quaffing and scoffing £100 of food and drink at every full council meeting.

It seems a lavish expense in these economically difficult times when every last penny is precious.

We are also angry when we learn that money meant to provide vital flood defences was spent on wages.

The impact of the devastation caused by the floods in 2007 is still being felt and people want to hear that moves are being made to make things safer for the future. So it is again understandable that there has been outrage over such an emotive issue.

We should never forget that councillors and council staff are public servants who give up great chunks of their time in the interests of their communities.

Councillors often work late into the evening on top of a normal working day.

But they are also compensated for this effort through their salaries and the expenses they claim.

The current recession will only place more public scrutiny on the finances of local authorities as taxpayers want to know that their money is being spent the right way.

It is time then for council chiefs to make sure their authorities are streamlined and efficient.

They must be free of antiquated or unnecessary expenditure and set an example to residents.

Otherwise they will continue to face a backlash from increasingly frustrated taxpayers.