WHILE walking in the city, I was tackled by an irate old friend who demanded to know why the county council was even considering a near 13 per cent rise in council tax.

Concerned about what such an increase would mean to those on fixed or limited incomes, he said that no improvement in services could justify the hardship it would create.

When I tried to explain that the main cause for the rise was not to improve local services, but to pay the Government's Resource Equalisation Tax, he looked at me in disbelief and said: "Don't try to blind me with your jargon!"

Despite 40 years' experience of politics and local government, this intelligent (and usually moderate) man was confused.

For the sake of others, who were shocked when they receive punishing rate demands, let me try to explain the situation in plain terms devoid of "spin".

The Government has levied on Community Charge payers in the counties a new tax called "Resource Equalisation". The money raised will not go to improve local services; instead it will go to areas the Government believes to be in greater need, particularly metropolitan areas.

In Worcestershire, this will cost us £13m or about 9 per cent extra on our rates. This is entirely consistent with a socialist system of redistribution of wealth.

People of our county should understand that they are to pay for the equivalent of a brand new high school this year, next year and every year thereafter. They, like me, will condemn the fact that the new schools will be built for others, and not for the benefit of children of Worcestershire.

ANDREW ROBERTS,

Conservative County Councillor

Claines, Worcester.