KENNET District Council is now using reserves to save themselves from government capping of council tax.

Apart from under-funding, one of the deficits arose from a pension fund.

May we ask what was the amount of money that was used to top this up and what was the explanation of the trustees for the shortfall?

Many OAPs are having to cope with pension funds in deficit and are lucky to find a benefactor to top up the millions required.

Not all OAPs are flushed with funds or drawing extra benefits as some of our locals would lead us to believe.

Surely this antiquated tax, which is nothing more that old colonial "hut tax" based on where you live not ability to pay must be phased out.

We have yet to hear from the biggest financial overhead of all Wiltshire County Council and what they want. So what exactly is the gross figure to be?

What is the total amount of income for both the County and Kennet councils and what percentage is actually paid out in salaries alone?

Enough is enough. Abolish this tax, increase the standard Inland Revenue tax to make up the shortfall. It is at least administered by professional civil servants, and they get it correct most of the time. No way do we want any local authority handling income tax.

On a separate point I was surprised at the coverage you have given to the British National Party (Gazette, February 26), but there is evidence that people are not happy about health schemes, security and the now inadequate ambulance service for villages.

It is out of control taxation giving a poor return for what we have to pay. This situation could worsen before it gets better. Look at the 1930s historical situation in Germany and Italy are we going to kindle extremism?

B DAVIE

Netheravon