A GOVERNMENT inquiry into the funding of local councils has recently published its interim report (December 15).

It is suggesting new charges for local services on top of council taxes, a council tax revaluation and higher bills for many homes by scrapping the "banding" system - creating a "son of rates".

Like most people, I welcome the calls in the report to reform council tax benefit to help low income groups, particularly pensioners. Soaring levels of council tax under the current Government - up 55 per cent in Bolton - have hit some of the most vulnerable groups in our community the hardest.

However, there are recommendations which I am not happy about, such as plans for new charges for local services like rubbish collection - on top of council tax.

People should not be charged again for a service they already pay for and for services that are not adequate, like our own two-weekly rubbish collection.

The proposals threaten higher taxes for families and pensioners who have worked hard, saved and invested in their homes, without any improvement in their local services.

Council tax is one of the most controversial, visible and unpopular taxes. Such reforms could make it even more disliked.

The fear is that the Government is intending to use this review as an opportunity to increase the tax burden on hard-working families and pensioners in Bolton, rather than freeing councils from expensive Whitehall interference and restoring trust and confidence in local democracy.

People want top quality public services without having to pay an ever-increasing bill for them. The question is: Are we getting quality public services? I think not!

Andy Morgan Councillor,

Hulton Ward