Yet another year of Council Tax record increases. As an elected Councillor I must question local residents' ability to pay these increases.
We are looking at an increase of 10.8 per cent at County level in Wiltshire before we look at the District, Police and Parish rate.
We cannot question the need for this increase, services such as education and social services must be maintained. However the question must be asked can the residents of Wiltshire pay these increases?
As a county councillor and someone who has to go out and earn a living wage, I know how hard it is for the vast majority of residents to find this increase in their Council Tax bills. Most people can't go to their employers and request an increase in their salary of 10.8 per cent. They will have to go without.
The Government must stand up to their responsibility of funding local services. They cannot keep passing the burden onto local residents, and those who are less able to pay.
Cllr Terry Chivers,
St Margaret's Court,
Bradford on Avon.
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