NO-one likes paying extra council tax, but why does David Pearson (Letters, March 28) and others blame the rise on the council?

Let us examine the facts regarding the spending levels and taxation in Blackburn and Darwen by the council.

Since 1993/94 the revenue spending levels of the council are as follows:

1993/94 £21.629 million

1994/95 £21.623 million

1995/96 £21.623 million

1996/97 £21.664 million

In real terms, therefore, there has been a decrease in expenditure. In fact, since 1993/94, the council has had to cut services by £1.9 million - £968,000 in this financial year alone.

Let us now look at the level of council tax. In Blackburn and Darwen the average bill is £534.48. This is lower than in Chorley, Fylde, Wyre, West Lancs, Preston, Rossendale, South Ribble and Ribble Valley.

It is also lower than the average bill for England as a whole (£541.51). The average bill under a Conservative-controlled council is £525.48 while under a Liberal Democrat council this figure is £569.60.

What has changed, however, is the level of grant provided by the Government. In 1993/94, this grant was £12.129 million. In 1996/97 it is just £10.387 million.

Who makes up the difference? Yes, the council tax payer.

Once again, ordinary people are suffering another Tory tax hike - only this time they try to blame councils.

COUN DAVE SMITH, Sunnyhurst Ward, Avondale Road, Darwen.

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