We can soon look forward to receiving our new council tax bills. Last year the 18 per cent rise shocked most of us. This year the hike could again be something like 18 per cent.

Enough is enough. I could accept the rise if we were receiving a corresponding rise in the services provided by councils in East Sussex.

Pensioners in the West Country are rebelling against the massive rise in council tax. But it doesn't just affect pensioners - many others are struggling to cope. A friend confessed to me that her council tax now costs more than her mortgage.

This financial year my community charge amounts to £123 per month, payable for ten months, a total of £1,230 a year.

In 1999, for the same services, I was paying £83 a month, an annual sum of £830, but in 1996 my total council tax amounted to £700.

Why has the tax levy risen by so much in recent years?

Councillors must take a hit too and not reward themselves with large rises in expenses and attendance allowances. That might help cut these large council taxes.

-David Rowland, Telscombe Cliffs