THIS year so far many people have had wage freezes, pay cuts or lost their jobs.

Prices have come down on most goods and services – even the gas and electric companies have dropped their costs.

We are now told we are in a period of deflation.

So can anyone explain why council tax has increased by an average of £40 a year? And why rents have also increased? Surely it would make more sense to cut council tax and rents and make properties more affordable to live in and help ease the pressure for tenants.

Eddie Vee
Wenham Road, Woodlands, York.