RUMOURS were that in each of the last three years when council tax increases were under review that substantial increases were expected. This became true, with nine per cent rises each year.

The rumours are for this year of massive increases. Anything above the inflation rate needs to be questioned. It is obvious that poor planning and management, wasteful spending and overstaffing in administration are causing financial discrepancies.

Businesses acting in this way become bankrupt but this does not happen with councils. They cover their failures and extravagances by demanding extortionate increases from the public.

It is time for us to say no to these increases or it will happen every year.

Mr R Manning,

Pennine Road,

Lowes Hill,

Bromsgrove.