I WAS interested to read the article in last week's Wiltshire Times entitled Council hits back over tax claims, and I cannot understand where the figures quoted come from.

The Times has apparently reported a rise of 5.8 per cent for a Band D property in west Wiltshire, and the district council has claimed that the rise is actually only 5.1 per cent. My own Band D property has increased by 8.04 per cent for 2006/2007, as has my next door neighbour's and, I assume, all other Band D properties in the area.

I have been trying for some time to ring the council on the two telephone enquiry numbers detailed on my bill, but have been unable to get through (are they so inundated with complaints that they have taken the phone off the hook?!) I should also point out that, although my only current source of income is via benefits relating to my disability, I am unable to claim any discount on my council tax bill due to the amount of savings I have.

I am being penalised for being prudent enough to save some of my money rather than spending it all whatever happened to the once Great' Britain?

R Lancaster, Trowbridge