Car park rates demand a tax on philanthropy
WHENEVER I hear the words a matter of principle I am reminded of a German Field Marshall who, it is alleged, reached for his gun when the word culture was mentioned. It does not seem unreasonable to ask Cllr Linda Oliver why Mr Fordham has been presente
WHENEVER I hear the words "a matter of principle" I am reminded of a German Field Marshall who, it is alleged, reached for his gun when the word culture was mentioned.
It does not seem unreasonable to ask Cllr Linda Oliver why Mr Fordham has been presented with a tax bill for more than £1,000 when no money has changed hands, and who has provided motorists with free parking (Rates demand for free car park, The Crow, July 26).
Could this be a tax on philanthropy? Unfortunately, in today's political climate, principles are extremely thin on the ground.
For many years we have had a Chancellor - now unelected Prime Minister - who has systematically rate-capped councils and increased landfill rates in order to reduce Treasury spending.
The other side of this policy is that councils have to increase Council Tax at above the national inflation rate. Consequently, cuts in public services and amenities have now become the norm.
G TURNER
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Green Drift
Royston