OFFICIAL figures published by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions prove that council tax is lower under Conservative-controlled councils.

The average household pays £88 a year more on a Band D council tax bill under a Labour council and £63 a year more under a Lib Dem council compared to a Conservative-run council. After four years of this government, council tax in shire counties has soared by an average of £234 on B and D property.

Council tax nationally has risen because of the Government's refusal to adequately fund council services. This is the ultimate stealth tax hike - local residents foot the bill, and local councillors take the blame.

Despite Labour's incompetence, Conservative-run North Yorkshire County Council remains one of the lowest charging shire counties.

David Ashton,

North Yorkshire County Council,

County Hall,

Northallerton.

Updated: 11:44 Friday, April 06, 2001