SO I have got it 'completely wrong', remarks Cllr Barker (last week) in response to my letter highlighting the continuing practice at the Town Hall of setting inflation-busting council tax rises.

Perhaps he could explain to ratepayers -

o by how much the city contract services budget for 2002/03 has been overspent, by which section of the service, how and why . And could he also supply more specific information on the general statement that 'this is likely to continue into future years'.o Why and who was responsible for the underestimate of £300,000 for the new waste and recycling rounds. Was it an officer or an MBI councillor?

o Why the previous administration set a 21.1 per cent rise in council tax for 2004/05. Was this due to the financial situation inherited from the administration before them?

I believe answering such questions is what is known as accountability. Let's play the ball, instead of the man, for a change, Cllr Barker.

Disciple (name and address supplied).