SO now we know. City of York Council does not want 12 per cent as had been widely promulgated since last November ('Council tax rise is 9.33 per cent in York', February 9).

Maybe next year they will keep their thoughts to themselves until they have all the facts, so as not to stir up everyone. I suppose the figure is almost acceptable but I reserve judgement until my actual bill arrives.

However, I say to Chief Constable Cannings - no way ma'am! You may have only asked for 9.9 per cent this year but that equates to a 274 per cent increase in three years.

And what have we got for that - closed police stations, inefficient telephone call-handling, no police response to calls, emergency and non emergency, and children allowed to run amok terrorising people at all hours of the day.

I shall stand my ground and refuse to pay the portion of the council tax bill that is the police precept until, and unless, I see better policing in my area at least.

As for the City of York Council increase - please remember that the rate of inflation is only 2.7 per cent at the moment.

Jeremy Banyard,

Bramham Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 08:45 Saturday, February 14, 2004