ONCE again, we have the usual bunch of "irate", "angry" or "very angry" ratepayers writing to the Bury Times but afraid, or ashamed, to reveal their identities. On reflection, I am sure it isn't fear. Could it be that to reveal themselves would destroy any credibility?

As a Labour councillor I must put Bury's council tax into perspective, with verifiable figures for 2001-02.

During the current tax year the Audit Commission shows the average council tax per dwelling as follows:

Liberal Democrat authorities: £810;

Conservative authorities: £801;

Labour authorities: £708;

Bury's Labour council: £689.

This proves that Bury is a low spending, low taxing council and even with the suggested rise this year, it will remain so, certainly it is well below councils controlled by other political parties.

COUNCILLOR RAY WATTS