I FIND the suggestion that Council Tax might rise by almost 10 per cent for St Neots Town Council absolutely outrageous. How many more years must we have seriously above inflation rises imposed on us? And for what? Some new bus shelters. A town plan – wha

I FIND the suggestion that Council Tax might rise by almost 10 per cent for St Neots Town Council absolutely outrageous. How many more years must we have seriously above inflation rises imposed on us? And for what? Some new bus shelters.

A town plan - what a joke: they couldn't even plan what to do with a gifted £1million.

Additional grants to voluntary organisations - how dare they give away our money in this arbitrary manner?

With other utility organisations such as gas, electricity and phone, there is at least the option to switch companies if they try to impose unreasonable increases in their charges. But with this tax one has no option but to pay.

I feel particularly aggrieved since the level of services we actually receive (living on Eynesbury Manor) is restricted because, even though the estate is more than five years old, it has not been adopted by the council.

We get no rebate, but we get restricted policing - they won't or can't enforce traffic and parking laws. We get restricted refuse services - fortnightly collections, inferior litter patrols and street sweeping; defective street lighting.

I feel sure councillors will plead reduced funds from central government but why don't they cut their cloth according to their means? If I ran my household budget with the same gay abandon as these councillors supervise the public purse, I would soon be in the debtors' court. If you ain't got it then don't spend it. Reduce the service level to what can be afforded and budget on the basis of inflation-only increases year on year.

I note by its absence any prior warning of this impending budget vote - in previous years have we not been canvassed on our preferred options regarding spending choices and budget levels.

Unfortunately, it's a long time to the next election, so retaliation will not be swift.

NICK MILLBAND

Chapman Way

Eynesbury Manor

Editor's note: St Neots Town Council's precept forms about 10 per cent of Council Tax bills in the town. The other elements of the levy - county and district councils, police and fire services - are likely to increase by less than five per cent, so the total increase should be about five per cent. Budget decisions for the other authorities are expected in February.