SO Labour Minister Phil Woolas describes York's council tax rise as "excessive" (Don't blame me for capping threat, March 31)?

City of York Council has proposed that Band D bills would rise to £940, up by £49 on last year.

Rutland's Band D bills will rise to £1,267, up by £57.50. Hartle-pool's Band D bills will rise to £1,222, up by £57.10. Notting-ham's Band D bills will rise to £1,182, up by £50.30.

Does York look excessive in this company?

If the council is forced to cut services because Labour imposes a cap, residents should be in no doubt that the blame for this must be laid squarely at the door of the Government.

After nine years in power, Labour have failed to do anything with council tax except to make it even more unfair and even less popular.

Coun Ian Cuthbertson,

Liberal Democrat,

City of York Council,

Plainville Lane,

Wigginton,

York.

Updated: 10:18 Tuesday, April 04, 2006