IN the light of the forthcoming 12.7 per cent council tax bill increase, a spokeswoman for Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott says it is very difficult for the Government to understand some of the largest rises.

With West Mercia Police Authority receiving a whopping 14.6 per cent rise, plus both county and city councils taking more towards paying Gordon Brown's additional National Insurance charges, any increase that pensioners might receive today will have to be used to pay the increases in the council tax bill.

Remember New Labour's election pledge - no tax increases?

BRIAN HUNT, Worcester.