The National Press has published articles suggesting that council tax must rise by �50. Articles go on to say that council tax in London and the South-East may rise by three times as much. I would urge our council to be the exception to the rule by

The National Press has published articles suggesting that council tax 'must' rise by �50.

Articles go on to say that council tax in London and the South-East may rise by 'three times as much.'

I would urge our council to be the exception to the rule by freezing council tax, marking time on planned projects, and reining-in in order to retain what we have.

The particularly difficult financial situation is not the time for expansive projects.

Even more worrying is the knowledge that the only way to save money in business is to off-load labour.

It means that every pound the council spends will have to be found from somewhere, and that somewhere is the closure of jobs.

The residents of the borough do not have a bottomless pit of money at their disposal, and a rise in tax, such as that described by the media, may well result in many more of us having to resort to government hand-outs.

This will have the effect of increasing the downward spiral of money coming in and money going out. Someone must take a positive stand and follow the example set by Boris Johnson by saying 'enough is enough.'

Cllr Terry Justice

Ashton Gardens

Chadwell Heath