THE council tax is fast becoming as popular as the poll tax. As many of us brace ourselves for the effects of the next round of council budget increases we can be certain that little or no notice will be taken of the going rate of inflation or the interests of pensioners.

Increases in excess of five per cent are a virtual certainty for next year and judging by the need to increase the cash in the privileged council employee pension pot, six or seven per cent will probably be nearer the mark.

Perhaps some kind soul in a position of authority could answer the following questions:

1. Why are those who increase the value of their home by adding extensions exempt from an increase?

2. Why do those who run businesses from their homes (and enjoy concessions on their income tax liability by claiming business expenses) not have to pay extra council tax?

3. Why are Wiltshire residents forced to contribute through their council tax to an unelected and unrepresentative Regional Assembly in Exeter without ever having been consulted (no taxation without representation)?

4. Why are we never told the true increase of council tax each year that should be based on the old housing stock revenues and not upon figures that include the significant extra revenue from new housing stock? If we take account of these additional revenues in Wiltshire I suspect the level of council tax inflation might engender even more adverse comment.

It seems to me that if my first three points were addressed for a start we might be able to begin to freeze (or even reduce) council taxes and introduce a greater measure of equity at the same time. Then, of course, pigs might fly!

N J KNOTT (DR)

Farleigh Wick