SIR – In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I asked him if he thought it fair that people like myself who have been thrifty with our money should have to pay VAT on maintenance charges for flats we buy in private complexes.

He didn’t reply, but passed my letter on to HM Revenue and Customs for them to deal with.

The situation with private schools was highlighted in the report by Tom Edwards ‘Wealthy schools should pay their taxes’ (Worcester News, February 19).

In the story Councillor Richard Udall said that the schools are hiding under charitable status in getting 80 per cent business rate relief and that they should pay more.

But the RGS headteacher pointed out that parents pay fees out of taxed income and save Worcestershire County Council ratepayers some £7.5 million a year.

Why should those who are careful with their money have to pay even more taxes for the privilege?

After all, we in these flats are also saving the country money in fending for ourselves instead of relying on the state.

PHIL PEGLER

Worcester