WHAT world does our MP, Jacqui Smith, live in? After an 80 per cent rise in seven years, she says, "Council tax rises must be sensible and the level affordable. We are roughly at that level now." (Letter from Westminster, May 12).

Richard Udall, the chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, is launching an appeal to council taxpayers to petition the Government to reconsider its decision to ''cap'' the authority's budget (Advertiser, May 12).

No chance!

Essential services should be funded by central Government.

Millions of people, the poorest in our society, are paying more in council tax than income tax.

What is fair about that?

FB CHADFIELD

Arrow Road North

Lakeside