AMAZINGLY our New Labour Government has suddenly realised that a large fine would have little effect on a wealthy person, whereas a similar fine for a poorer person, say on a fixed income, could be devastating.

In order to correct this obviously unfair state of affairs, they have announced that in future fines will not only reflect the seriousness of the offence, but will also have regard to the offenders income. Thus for the same offence the rich man in his castle and the poor man at his gate will feel the force of the law equally.

What a pity that the Government has been unable to apply this principle of equal sacrifice to the idea of council tax. It is not a new nor a revolutionary idea, the principle has long been the basis of income tax.

R W BANISTER

Freshbrook