NOBODY relishes the thought of the citizens of York having to pay for re-issuing council tax bills, but the responsibility for the problem lies with those who defied the authority of the elected Government in the first place.

In other areas defiance of authority can result in ASBOs.

I am advised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that "the Government made clear to all authorities that it expected the average council tax increase in England in both 2006/07 and 2007/08 to be less than five per cent and that it would take capping action if necessary".

Coun Tom Holvey in his recent letter (Happy To Listen, April 12) said the council had been asking residents for suggested budget savings for several years.

In my previous letter (Nave Authority, March 30) I made such a suggestion, as has been made previously by me and others. There has been no response.

Perhaps it would be opportune for the Evening Press "you the jury" to ask: "Would you prefer to accept a cut in, or to eliminate, the monies given to ward committees rather than a cut in jobs or a reduction in social services, to balance the budget".

Mr A L Dixon,

Coggan Way,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, April 22, 2006