RECENT letters criticising the council tax rises rather understated the problem many people face.

The tax rises have consistently exceeded rates of inflation although many of us have our income limited to the rate yearly. My own pension from Bolton was double my council tax only a few years ago -- next year the tax will just about gobble all of it.

Councillors show no interest whatever in economy, crazy schemes are widespread and, in contrast to years ago, councillors handsomely reward themselves very generous "expenses".

Most ridiculous of all is the practise of local councils in the South West villages having their own, expensive councils and, would you believe, a Mayor!

When Westhoughton was a largely self-managing part of Lancashire County Council it had a Chairman -- now, with no significant responsibilities whatever, it likens itself to large towns and cities with a childish title which is well worth a grin -- but an expensive one.

Westhoughton Man

Name and address supplied