THE people of York have not voted to increase council tax by five per cent at all. It was not a vote to determine a policy or an outcome.

Those who responded went for the option that was as clear as day to anyone. And there were only 7,000 replies from 82,000 ballot forms sent out.

There are more than 82,000 council tax/income tax payers in York, aren't there?

Council leader Steve Galloway is merely playing political games. If he really wants to know how democracy can work, he should put his money where his mouth is and have proper referendums. They are costly but democracy comes at a price.

Councils who have consulted in this way invariably do pass the buck and say to the electorate: you voted for this.

I don't have all the answers, nor do I have the money for the council tax which is bleeding us all dry. Charging ridiculous prices for parking and claiming it still offers good value for money is no way for any half decent council to behave.

David Peacock,

Church Lane,

Bishopthorpe, York.

Updated: 09:48 Monday, January 17, 2005