AS the question often arises as to exactly what the council tax is used for, perhaps this might highlight a little of the waste.

On February 1, 2005 I received a visit from a council officer to scrutinise all my papers relating to my income. I produced them and he appeared quite satisfied.

Exactly three weeks later I received a letter stating my application for housing/council tax benefit was incomplete and to supply originals within seven days. All these papers were produced and photocopied in the council office in 2004 when I applied for housing benefit.

Surely they must be aware there will be no change until April 2005? I shall now have to make a special journey to the council offices and as I am nearly 80 I can well do without having to go out in this bitterly cold weather to produce for the third time all these papers.

MRS F M Phillips

Swindon