SINCE the Proceeds of Crime Act came into effect in 2003, millions of pounds have been seized by the police. An incentive scheme introduced in 2006 allows the police to retain half of all cash they seize from criminals.

Thousands of aged pensioners consider it a criminal act by councils to up council tax yearly, putting many of us into penury. Nothing could be much more criminal financially than that. So I urge the police to take less of their cut of the council tax and give it back to the needy.

Ken Holmes, Cliffe Common, Selby.