I WOULD wish to refer to my recent letter (Gazette, February 11) with reference to local taxation, the reaction to which was a thundering silence.

Having had sight of the Kennet Times publication, however, I would invite readers' attention to the heading on a page of this publication headlined 'Some of the front line services available from your local council'.

We can only assume from the list of services quoted (there are many more services provided by the council of course) that these services are available to everyone in the community. But how are these services financed and by whom? Of course we all know these services are

financed via a rate support grant from Government, together by the one person, the householder.

The point at issue here is that as everyone in the community shares these local services, then everyone in work should pay something pro rata, or in simple terms, in proportion to their salary. Fair, do you think?

I can hear the squeal of protest at the audacity of that suggestion from the untold millions who for so many years have had a free ride, on the less well off in the community.

Last week's budget revealed plans by the Government to axe 40,000 Whitehall jobs (civil servants). Perhaps a not dissimilar exercise by local government wouldn't be out of place concerning over- manning in highly paid jobs.

A work study perhaps or work measurement might throw up some surprising results in large savings in administration or are we to believe there is no-one 'employed' in non-jobs in local government?

If the councils are so strapped for cash then surely a similar exercise by councils throughout the country, together with a replacement of the current unjust local tax system, would produce not only a fairer system to all, but most importantly, a real decline in the seemingly never ending rising local tax bill.

K R MANNS

Blounts Court

Potterne