COUNCIL tax at five per cent. Well, what a surprise. What if the zero per cent option had been given?

No need to cut services, Mr Galloway. No need to cut those workers at ground level who do a fantastic job at base rate. I suggest you start with yourselves and allowances, payments, perks and departments as a whole.

Then again perhaps I am wrong. Isn't Royal Ascot the be-all and end-all of our troubles, bringing in fantastic revenue to the city?

Or is the increase of revenue once again not reaching the average ratepayer - are we, as usual, footing the bill rather than reaping the benefit?

Come clean council: tell us what the bill is to the taxpayers of this city for your meeting with her majesty.

M J Natt,

Orchard Close,

Dringhouses,

York.

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, January 12, 2005