A CITY-WIDE opinion poll on council tax was today branded a "farce".

City of York Council has pledged to investigate a complaint from a councillor who claimed hundreds of consultation leaflets gauging option on this year's budget were dumped in the doorway of a block of flats.

Coun Brian Watson spotted what he said were about 300 copies in the entrance to council flats while canvassing on Navigation Road, York.

He believes the find raises serious concerns about any results gleaned from the ballot.

York council is gauging the views of the city's 80,000 households ahead of this year's budget.

Guildhall finance chiefs say a ten per cent council tax rise is needed to maintain service levels.

The Your City leaflet spells out proposed savings that have been identified and potential cuts of £3 million if rises of less than ten per cent are agreed to balance the books.

Council leader Steve Galloway has urged residents to take advantage of the "unique opportunity" to have their say.

But Coun Watson, Labour, said: "It's a complete farce if they are just dumping them at the bottom of flats.

"Anyone could get hold of them and the consultation could be open to abuse. If you are going to do a consultation like this, do it properly."

A council spokesman said the authority's Your City information leaflet - containing ballot cards on three council tax choices - was delivered by council staff who are told to push copies through doors when "practicably possible".

He said: "We specifically instruct staff not to leave them in entrances to flats.

"We will investigate this alleged incident and are anxious to ensure that the budget consultation is conducted as thoroughly and fairly as possible."

Updated: 10:06 Wednesday, December 22, 2004