WITH reference to the annual rate. Once again we are subjected to much Uriah Heep-type hand-wringing and pleas for tolerance from councillors.
I appreciate that a minority of payers support a majority, who for a variety of reasons, can't, won't or don't pay, but the answer does not lie in increasing the burden on those who pay up front.
May I respectfully suggest a remedy which may help redress the situation? People who can afford it should be encouraged to come here and buy large houses in the higher tax 'bands'. The more money gleaned from them the better.
Hopefully, though doubtfully, this would spread the burden.
Forget this green and pleasant land, the charm and mystery of West Devon, the strong fortitude of its people which has recently been pushed to the furthest limits.
Instead, charge developers exorbitant fees to cover the countryside with vast acreages of ridiculously expensive housing which locals can't afford to buy, but that in itself is immaterial.
The revenue will be substantial, money will flood into council coffers, councillors could forego the present cosmetic titillation to roads, pavements and whatever, at present causing maximum disturbance and of little benefit to anybody.
Instead they could go for vaster, dafter schemes and bring Okehampton to a complete and total standstill for longer periods.
Ted O'Regan
16 Vixen Tor Close
Okehampton