THE fact that I have just received my council tax bill for £831.79 means that I will certainly be voting against this profligate council that has been in power since time immemorial.

Isn't it strange that after a 17 per cent hike last year it has come down to a mere three times the rate of inflation in election year?

As a pensioner who has worked all his life, I resent subsidising people who have never done a proper days work in their lives, and a council which is very good at spending other people's money.

The council/government also have a duty to people who have been prudent enough to have made provision for their retirement.

The council has a duty for health and safety and to provide a safe living environment, good education, policing and essential services, and not for spending money on the biggest free show in the north west, building Halton Stadium and any number of pet projects.

I suggest that they relocate their speed cameras on the bus stops, telephone boxes and shop windows which people seem to be able to vandalise with impunity, but perhaps that will be too much trouble. I said once before that this government/council is robbing the poor to subsidise the very poor and I see no reason to alter my opinion.

John Cosgrove, Alder Avenue, Widnes