NOW that we are approaching the period when our leaders at Wyre Forest District Council are finalising their budgets for next year's Council Tax, let us hope that they bring a little reality, common sense, and compassion into their dreams.

I am the sort of person who keeps records and notes of such things over the years, in the vain hope that it might help me to control and contain some of my expenditure.

I have found that by various means, such as switching suppliers and fitting water meters, and generally exercising a little restraint, my main utility bills, such as gas, electricity, telephone, and water rates, have actually fallen by 10 to 15 per cent over the last five years.

My Council Tax, however, has increased by 56 per cent over the same period.

I can do nothing about my Council Tax, other than attempt to vote the whole rotten lot of them out of office, but I expect the next lot would be just as bad.

How can anyone justify a 56 per cent increase in Council Tax, when other utility costs have actually fallen?

I wish my income had gone up by 56 per cent over the last five years.

JONATHAN CLARK

Blakedown

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