THE report about unpaid rent of more than £1 million owed to City of York Council (Evening Press, May 5) at least highlights the reason for such an amount being allowed to accumulate.

To quote the council's housing manager: "When you look at the rent owing, the figure is very small." So that's why we have council tax increases above inflation every year. To the council £1 million is peanuts.

R A Starks,

The Green,

Elvington, York.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, May 15, 2001