Further to the CityClean debate, they very thoughtfully picked up my rubbish just once in six weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, despite endless phone calls from me.

Even after a complaint letter to the managing director, it still wasn't picked up.

My road is riddled with broken glass and dog dirt and there is no police presence in the area. Having put up with this situation for months, I sent Brighton and Hove City Council a cheque for £5 towards my council tax to cover the cost of the street lighting, as this is the only service provided by them.

In their arrogance, they advised me that council tax is not a payment for services provided but a "statutory debt" and to pay up and shut up.

Is anyone else aware that council tax does not go towards rubbish collection, street cleaning and community policing?

I would be very interested to know what it does actually go towards. If anybody does know, can they please advise me?

-L Molsom, Hove