I was shocked, though not surprised, to read that North Yorkshire County Council are considering an 11.5 per cent increase in next year's council tax, as reported in the Evening Press on December 17.

The Tories, who run North Yorkshire, are blaming the Government for underfunding and causing the council to consider such draconian increases.

Living as I do in the East Riding, it is impossible to avoid drawing parallels with the East Riding Council. Following a massive 8.2 per cent increase in funding, the Tory Leader of the East Riding still blames the Government for its problems.

Poor decision-making and lack of leadership on both councils led to them under-performing in the recent league table of local authorities.

The East Riding failed to get a place in the premier league which it so coveted and North Yorkshire was well down the table.

Maybe it is time for the voters of East and North Yorkshire to consider whether or not the present Tory administrations are providing value for money. As ever they will be given the choice in May.

Let's hope they make the most of the opportunity. For the sake of both 'counties.'

George McManus,

Chair East Riding Labour Party,

Meadowfield Close,

Pocklington.

Updated: 12:16 Monday, December 23, 2002