YOUR extensive coverage of the 15 per cent increase in Swindon's council tax deserves a wider analysis, although I'm afraid it will provide little comfort, particularly to those on fixed/small incomes.
The problem is caused by lack of central government funding, and I don't for one moment currently regard Swindon Borough Council as a profligate council, poor administratively maybe though.
Remember that back in the bad old days of the 'loony left' the Conservative Government largely reclaimed control over local taxation, for what were then very good reasons.
This had the consequence that local tax only raises about 20 per cent of the necessary total, and we are dependent on Whitehall for the balance.
Combine this with the fact that central government is deliberately favouring the northern areas compared to the south west for blatant political reasons to encourage them to adopt regional government directly connected to the EU policy of breaking up the UK into regions directly accountable to Brussels, and we have a double whammy effect of the infamous European Union.
This is not far-fetched, but as with so many aspects of the EU, received little or no publicity in the UK as the government wishes to proceed by stealth. MICHAEL MORTON
(Swindon Branch Chairman
UK Independence Party)
Bruce Street
Swindon
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article