AS councils across the country are forced to issue tax demands up by an average 15 per cent, hundreds of tax rebels have formed local action groups.

They are incensed by the Government's insatiable thirst for higher taxes and public spending which has failed to improve services and is largely wasted on bureaucracy.

Since 1998 health spending alone has risen 30 per cent yet only two per cent more patients have been treated.

In addition, council tax has rocketed by 40 per cent since 1997 and higher national insurance and frozen tax allowances will cost the average worker an extra £45 per month.

There is a better way. Britain's health, education and welfare systems are in need of fundamental reform to empower the service user to choose between different providers. It is time to find the political courage to set the people free.

Philip J. Duly, campaign manager, The Freedom Association