DAVID Cameron pledged to freeze council tax this year, but as reported in the Times last week, West Devon's Tories intend to defy the Prime Minister and increase rates.

Conservative local government supremo Eric Pickles says councils have a 'moral duty' to freeze rates and describes councillors like West Devon's Tories as giving a 'kick in the teeth to hard-working, decent tax payers'.

Perhaps West Devon's Tories are dubious about the Government's offer of support for councils which freeze rates, as no one knows what might happen next year to public services, if the Government withdraws its grant.

It seems that Conservative leaders in government and our local council are very much at odds. Maybe we should ask Geoffrey Cox MP to arbitrate. Is the Tory-led Government being disingenuous, or is the Tory-led council being foolish? Do tell us, Mr Cox.

David Benzie, Alison Young and Brendan Bold

Tavistock Labour Party

ON reaching page 7 of last Thursday's Times I could not believe that West Devon Borough Council were increasing our council tax!

Why do they think they are right compared with the majority of local authorities and the Government? What happens if the Government penalises the council for accepting their offer this year?

Perhaps in these difficult times the councillors will give up their allowances, change meeting times to the evening, thus enabling people to be councillors and keep their jobs and doing it for the good of the community.

C R Start

Milton Crescent

Tavistock