IN response to the announcement by North Yorkshire Council that they are considering increasing council tax by 12.25 per cent, I am sure most ratepayers, especially pensioners, will be amazed at the ease with which every year it demands more rates, and we see less for our money.

I live in Hambleton District Council area and our council tax bill has increased over the last four years by 35.5 per cent, 33.5 per cent and 11 per cent. As a pensioner I am expected to fund this money out of such pension increases as the 75p a week increase two years ago.

I have also noted that North Yorkshire councillors are about to pay themselves large allowances plus amounts for child care and dependents.

Most of these councillors have full time paid employment while attending council meetings.

This cannot be right.

It is time the ratepayers of North Yorkshire say enough is enough and make the so-called public servants start serving the people and stop taking from them.

There was a time in the past when councillors carried out their duties with a social conscience and not how much they can make.

With the introduction of these payments I bet these councillors will give themselves large increases every year.

B Rickell,

River Walk,

Newton-on-Ouse.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, January 10, 2002