Action call on tax rise

It is widely known that our government intends to increase revenue from council tax by about £2billion each year.

One way of achieving this is by the proposal to levy one per cent of the market value of each residence, instead of council tax as we now know it.

Lichfield District Council Taxpayers Association's aim is to try to represent all council tax payers and is allied to the Isitfair Campaign for the reform of council tax, reflecting the ability to pay.

Many members of Isitfair have expressed their intention to pay only the rate of inflation in 2006-07. Some have decided that if no solution is found, they will pay nothing more. They have concluded that this government will continue to increase the tax as long as we continue to pay. It is reported that 70 groups throughout England, involving thousands, intend to do this.

You may think the time has come to test the water. Fellow campaigners cannot advise or persuade. The choice for each one of us is individual and personal.

When the voice of the people is ignored, direct action is the last reluctant option. Without such action by a mass of people, there will be no change of heart, and the continued emptying of our pockets will be relentless.

With this in mind, the Lichfield District Council Taxpayers Association is having a membership drive, with a target set at 1,000 household members. It is intended that members will get a regular national and local update.

A membership fee of £3 per household is required for the first year to cover the cost of stationery, postage, ink cartridges and meeting rooms. After the first year, it is hoped that donations will cover these costs in the following years.

Some limited distribution of membership forms will be made but they can be obtained by contacting me direct on 01543 263828.

Please remember that a dignified silence is unaffordable.

Trevor Baker, Retiring Chairman, Lichfield District Council Taxpayers Association.