IT is almost time for my first council tax payment of 2004. I just thought you would like to know what I have decided to do.

With grateful thanks to Councillor Quentin Macdonald a couple of weeks ago for his latter stating the actual percentage increases demanded by the three parties.

I intend to pay an inflation levelling increase to City of York Council of only 2.5 per cent. I also intend to pay no increase to the fire service, as I deem them to be very cheeky asking for an increase of nearly ten per cent in the first year of separation.

As for the North Yorkshire police precept, as I have said for some months now, they will get no more from me until I see some better policing in the York area. As I am still waiting, after nearly a month, for a visit from my "local" community policeman, I do not think that any increase is required.

To all the three parties I say prove that you are worth backing, then some (but not all) money you "demand" may come your way.

I realise that this will only save me a little over £50 overall, but every little bit in my pocket is vital.

Oh, and I will not be paying the deficit at the end of this year either!

Jeremy Banyard,

Bramham Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 11:00 Tuesday, April 13, 2004