SIR - It is very clever how New Labour has been able to keep the promise that "income tax will not
rise under New Labour
in 1997".
Until 1997, public spending was under tight control. The councils had to keep their spending down to just above inflation level.
Unable to put up income tax, one of the first things New Labour did in 1998 was to allow councils to increase council taxes so that more monies are collected locally for public services. We now have the government sitting up new local services with a grant for three or four years. At the end of the grant period, the councils have a choice - either close the service down or put up council tax. It is always the latter.
M SIMPKINS,
Fernhill Heath.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article