BEFORE the General Election, the Government promised to increase public spending, no matter what happened, and accordingly produced their spending plans with one exception, what was happening after 2003.

It was clear that a financial black hole had appeared from the galaxy behind number 11, Downing Street. Of course, they all denied that was the case.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies stated that either the Government put up taxes or reduce public spending. This comment was even supported by various financial and media programmes on the BBC (Blair's Broadcasting Corporation).

Lying, sorry spinning, from Downing Street, has just confirmed that due to the war against terrorism, either taxes will have to increase, otherwise spending on health, education, transport, law and order will have to be reduced. Correct me if I am wrong, but we head this during the fuel protest last year.

This Government's spending plans could never have been achieved, but of course as Jo Moore said: "Now is a good time to release bad news." But not only is this policy being carried out by a Labour Government, our Labour-controlled Council are doing the same. An announcement by our Labour-controlled Council, that our Council Tax is to increase again next year. Even though under a Labour Government our Council Tax has increased by 58 per cent.

So, never mind the Jo Moore Syndrome, we now have the "Labour Council Syndrome".

P Brierley

Aire Drive

Bradshaw, Bolton