IT was encouraging to see that Coun McDonald was prepared to acknowledge that the presentation of the rates increase was misleading and that 8.53 per cent was the real figure on a like-for-like comparison.

I wouldn't wish to fall out but his remark that 2.93 per cent "is technically correct" is not true. It certainly isn't and I am surprised that the professional officers allowed him to suggest that it was.

Coun McDonald seeks to lay the blame on central Government and a special formula on how to present the figures.

I can believe anything of politicians but, before I take it up formally with our local MP, perhaps we can be given a sight of this advice which, if true, could at best be incompetence or mischievous and at worst be seen to be designed to be purposely misleading.

Mike Newsome,

Front Street,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:08 Friday, March 26, 2004