CLLR Linda Thomas, the deputy leader of the Labour group, criticises the Lib Dems for raising council tax to 4.4 per cent, stating that Labour's rise the previous year was only 3.5 per cent.

Has she forgotten how much Labour raised the council tax the year before that? If I remember right, it was 8.9 per cent.

The local income tax proposed by the Lib Dems, if it is set at about three per cent of taxable pay, will not penalise working families at all unless they earn over £60,0000. How many couples in Bolton earn that kind of money?

In contrast, Labour plans to re-band property in two years' time, and the effect of that will shock many house owners.

A local income tax is the fairest way by far to raise money for councils.

B Edelbrink

Normandale Avenue

Bolton