I WONDER how many readers are aware that the Blair/Brown duo have once again conned the British electorate into paying more "hidden" taxes.
I have just received the North Wiltshire District Council's information leaflet regarding council tax for 2002-2003.
The figures tell all, if one takes the trouble to do a little arithmetic.
The budget requirement for the ensuing year is £317,312 million, an increase of 3.31 per cent over last year, which in my view is quite acceptable and I have no criticism of the county council.
In order to raise this money the county council has had to increase business rates to £114,739 million and income from council tax payers to £125,535 million, increases of 9.71 per cent and 10.84 per cent respectively.
Why has Wiltshire County Council raised taxation by three times the budget requirement?
Answer: Because the Blair/Brown duo have reduced the General Grant by 13.33 per cent, i.e. by £11,912 million.
In carrying out this policy nationwide the Blair/Brown duo rake in billions from taxpayers, while they strut about declaring that they do not increase taxation. Quite a clever con in my opinion.
VICTOR BALLARD
Frog Lane
Great Somerford
Chippenham
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