THE news that authorities in the two counties are to be "capped" by the Government will be no surprise to many.

It shows is that, in the present climate, the Government means business when it comes to penalising what it sees as high-spending.

It says that there is "no justification for excessive tax increases" and will take "action where and when necessary".

Tough words indeed. And the fact that we are assured that no jobs will need to be lost to make the cuts will probably go down like the proverbial lead balloon in Herefordshire Council and in the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service HQ.

But that's not all... West Mercia Police have been instructed that their "notional" budget for 2004-5 has already been set.

Any variance from this will mean trouble at Hindlip as any overspend will be reflected in future years.

In a climate that is all about limiting expense being passed on to the local taxpayer, this paper wonders at the actual costs involved in enacting the capping decisions?

The bill for calculating, preparing and distributing the new council tax demands to all residents in the two counties must be immense. Add to that the cost for the eventual cash collection, bearing in mind that some people must have already paid and will need to be asked for more.

It sounds like an administration nightmare and sums of up to £500,000 for the rethink have been bandied about.

Whatever the eventual sum, it is clear is that a system designed to clamp down on spending is actually costing a fortune.

And guess whose paying this bill?

That's right - you and me!