AT this time of year, York residents are told to brace themselves against twin threats: rising waters and rising council tax.

Today came the first tax warning of autumn. The council prepares us for hefty payment hikes in an announcement made annually, save for election year. Just as inevitable is the apportioning of guilt: the Guildhall blames Whitehall and vice-versa.

An inflation-busting tax rise will reduce the impact of interest rate cuts and discourage consumer spending.

That is the last thing we need at a time when the tourist industry has been so badly hit and a recession looms.

Updated: 10:47 Tuesday, October 09, 2001