I am sure I speak for the silent majority of council taxpayers closely watching Brighton and Hove City Council's deliberations over the black hole in its budget.

Can we expect a tighter grip on operating costs, a freeze on creation of "non-jobs" and a restriction in so-called "essential services" to those that matter?

The circulation of glossy papers extolling the performance of the council could be dispensed with, as could the attempts to gain various awards for the city.

The old adage "cut your coat according to your cloth" still applies and is precisely what the average family is forced to do when faced with excessive demands on its limited budget.

We are told the prohibitive costs of housing means first-time buyers are unable to get on the housing ladder.

Surely implementing sky-high rises in local taxes will only increase this problem?

Fortunately, most local people are well aware council tax is simply a further stealth tax and the forthcoming elections will offer an opportunity to voice our opinions.

-R Taylor, Upper Lewes Road, Brighton