WHY on earth are councillors patting themselves on the back after keeping council tax rises down to only 3.9per cent. They say about efficiency savings, but if they were more efficient, council tax would reduce. Underlying inflation is around 0.5per cent

WHY on earth are councillors patting themselves on the back after keeping council tax rises down to only 3.9per cent.

They say about efficiency savings, but if they were more efficient, council tax would reduce.

Underlying inflation is around 0.5per cent at present.

How do they justify 3.9per cent?

There was once a quaint old custom of an annual pay rise. This would offset some increase in bills. Over the past few years wages have not kept pace with annual council tax rises which have become a larger percentage of household budgets. Many people cannot claim tax benefits so have to stump up the full amount year on year.

EDDIE BLOY

Whittlesey Resident