IT is quite obvious that Cllr David Shakespeare is trying to soften the blow of a massive 12 per cent increase in council tax by seeking the views of householders.

It is also certain that, no matter how many object, the rise will still be applied. Our views will not count in the final decision they never have.

Some facts should be emphasised. Since 1994 council tax has increased by more than 80 per cent. For pensioners over the same period tax increases have been greater in money terms than state pension increases. For any pensioner in a Band E property, and paying basic income tax, his/her council tax increase this year will be about double his/her pension increase.

There has been no year since 1994 when tax has not risen by more than twice the rate of inflation. Last year the nine per cent increase was more than three times the inflation rate and this year it will be five times.

If any other service provider tried to impose such massive increases, year by year, they would be hounded out of business. Imagine rail fares or charges for gas, electricity and food increasing each year by such amounts we would all be cold and starving.

Cllr Shakespeare has failed to mention the real reason for such a massive increase. It is to refill his council's pensions pot so that staff continue to be given handsome pensions, and in some cases enhanced pensions, while the workforce outside face likely massively reduced pensions.

It would not be so bad if there were any noticeable improvement in services. Roads are rarely repaired or cleaned, crime is out of control and council staff seem to spend most of their time at meetings, on leave, on courses or sick. No doubt officers at Aylesbury will be awarding themselves handsome pay increases this year and congratulating themselves on the job they do whilst us who pay their wages have to dig even deeper into their pockets to fund services which are barely adequate.

We should all challenge Bucks CC staff to justify massive increases in tax. Do not be fooled into believing it is the consequence of a reduced grant from central government, which is also well in excess of inflation.

We also need to be told when, if ever, we can expect to see the end of massive increases each year. It is the responsibility of Cllr Shakespeare and his staff to provide better value for money with costs kept within the rate of inflation with standards maintained and improved.

This is what we all have to do to survive it is called 'balancing the budget'.

Arnie W Parr

Pretoria Rd

High Wycombe

January 20, 2003 17:31