SO I see that Swindon Council is likely to propose yet another council tax rise (EA August 2).

This monthly council tax will soon be the equivalent of my monthly mortgage payment.

Yes, I am one of the lucky ones with a low mortgage.

But spare a thought for the first time buyers who have to fork out anything from over £600 to £1000 a month on their mortgages.

No wonder there are so many re-possessed houses in Swindon and so many divorces between couples who cannot manage.

What I would like to see Swindon Council do for first time buyers would be to let them pay a reduced rate of just 50 per cent council tax for the first year of their mortgage and 75 per cent for the second year.

This would I am sure help them ease their finances and give them a better chance of coping during their first few stressful years of being home owners.

Clive Roberts

Newburn Crescent