THERE is presently much comment and anger regarding this year?s 17% increase in council tax when inflation is barely 3%.

Unfortunately, history shows that such a disparity is not unusual, as can be seen below:-

Over the last five years ten years

Inflation (RPI) 12% 29%

Council tax increase 57% 164%

Difference 45% 135%

Why has council tax risen five times faster than the rate of inflation over this long period? Average incomes certainly have not, and I am not aware of a dramatic improvement in the services we receive.

So, is this situation due to ?stealth tax?, mismanagement, or what?

Andrew Ogle

Whitchurch