AS the coffers of North Yorkshire Police swell to some £30 million, suggestions this is money earmarked for several projects the force has been unable to find the time to implement sound either like eyewash or financial mismanagement.

Since North Yorkshire Police have been unable to spend the money - and auditors found "insufficient information had been supplied to confirm the 76 per cent increase in its income through council tax in 2003 had been properly applied" - let's hope the force's financial officers are at least earning top rates of interest on this huge sum of taxpayers' money. It goes to the question of the financial credibility of both the police and City of York Council if:

York council merely accepts these increases year on year, knowing the force has a huge financial reserve

North Yorkshire Police levy charges which can give them a 76 per cent increase in income, knowing they have a multi-million reserve they are unable to spend.

Where is the duty of care to the taxpayer?

I look forward to receiving my council tax demand for next year, and to giving it careful consideration. I'm certain I could find valid reasons - in the circumstances - for regarding the police precept element as an unreasonable charge. Daylight robbery perhaps.

Glyn Myerscough,

Foxwood Hill,

York.

Updated: 10:45 Friday, March 03, 2006