Council tax bands rule will hit towns

AFTER weeks of contact with and discussions on phone with the contact centre, I have decided to air this matter through your newspaper.

Whoever was involved with the setting of tolls to be paid decided that a large number of Halton residents would be penalised by virtue of their banding in G and H for council tax (CT).

Paying higher CT should not disbar us from access to the free crossing rule set for all others.

We have lived in Halton for 40 years, paid our CT on time every time, and received little in return for that anyway.

Furthermore, are these fools aware that by setting this rule they contribute to reducing the value of our homes, as anyone wishing to buy our house must consider this additional burden in their yearly household costs.

This could be considerable if they purchased our house and worked in Runcorn, Chester, North Wales or anywhere else requiring them to use the bridge crossing.

To use the ‘hardship’ appeal facility requires supplying information about our financial affairs which is invasive and totally unacceptable.

Why should our personal financial situation determine whether or not we are entitled to the same nil crossing charge as all other Halton residents?

I am told that I can apply to have a reduction of 20p per crossing which involves supplying further personal information and considerable work on my part. Big deal.

I have to wonder which individual or group of people is responsible for making this unlawful and seriously flawed decision.

It will badly affect both main towns but Runcorn more seriously (I live in Widnes).

This ruling should be immediately and without delay amended so that those of us who pay the most are treated and charged the same as all Halton residents.