YOUR front page article in last week's Guardian on the subject of this year's council tax illustrates once again how out-of-touch our elected councillors are with public opinion.

Clr Paul Kenny's quote - "I am sure the people of Warrington will support these policies" - when referring to the council's spending plans on the back of a council tax increase of 10.92 per cent is a case in point.

On what basis does he make this assumption?

With the current rate of inflation being below three per cent and the vast majority of workers and pensioners being restricted to this level of increase to their earnings this year, I would be surprised if anyone supported the massive increase in council tax.

It is time the council started to operate its finances in the same way as any responsible family does - i.e. only spending within one's means, and resisting the temptation to fix unrealistic budgets before considering how they will be funded.

DENIS G CHAMBERLAIN

Green Lane