TO THE man and woman in the street, it is debatable if the years of austerity are over or not. To Wiltshire Council, however, there can be no doubt at all: turn the tap on and return to spending.
Given a licence by the government to increase council tax by a maximum of four per cent, it has done just that. And from the press releases emanating from the Department of Communities and Local Government this is only the first of way-above inflation increases that could apply for the life of this government.
In my case, and, I suspect, in many other cases too, it means that, at a stroke, 40 per cent of my forthcoming state pension increase will be siphoned off immediately to Wiltshire Council. Over the next four years this will amount to more than £300.
Eric Pickles, the previous incumbent of the Department of Communities & Local Government, had his many critics – and no, I was not one of them – but I bet many of them are now shouting: “Come back, Eric, all is forgiven”!
JOHN BERRY, Fallow Field Close, Chippenham
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here