After living through 60 years of elections I may be forgiven for being sceptical about politicians' promises and this time is no exception.

Take just one promise from the Lib Dems, changing council tax to a local income tax. This is supposed to help pensioners and low income families. What it means to me is that my five children and eight grandchildren will each have to pay more income tax.

When the Lib Dems increased council tax on my bungalow by a massive £70.15, the Government gave me £100 to offset it and promised to give me £50 to offset the next yearly increase.

The increase in council tax from April 2005 is only £37.81, but the £50 has been increased to £200 so I am now compensated for increases from before 2002.

I realise people in higher council tax bands will not fare as well and I receive it only as a pensioner along with the £200 winter fuel allowance.

D Barton,

Acorn Way, York.

Updated: 09:44 Monday, March 28, 2005