SO our city council is to grant us all a choice of which increase in our tax to accept. Ten per cent, 7.5 per cent, or five per cent are the figures quoted so far.

Can I enquire as to why we are not asked whether we feel an increase is justified at all? Or could we even be offered a decrease in the tax? That would be a real novelty.

When our paymasters sit down each year to see how small an increase they can get away with in the pension, they usually refer to a figure of overall inflation for the month of September. By a great coincidence, this is always the smallest figure of the year.

Why don't we get the same figure used for our local taxes? I would love the Treasury to send me a card sounding out whether I would like a ten, 7.5, or five per cent increase in my pension.

This is round one in the annual farce. This year what about deciding what York can afford rather than what its temporary rulers want? Many economies can be made if the will is there.

As for increases forced by central Government - demand that they fund them. Will we be told what increases our councillors are preparing for themselves? I doubt it. I can suggest one obvious economy. Stop funding the Regional Authority - nobody wants it.

I await round two, the annual demand from the uniformed lady in Northallerton called the police precept.

Charles Rushton,

Pasture Close, Strensall, York.

Updated: 11:32 Monday, November 29, 2004