Has council tax become outrageously unfair?

IT IS obvious to me why there is a serious financial shortfall in council tax — there are too many problems and complications (Mail). Only about one-third of all local residents pay any contribution, by means of the outdated local tax system. Properties are banded A to E, depending on house size, then costed. No consideration is given as to how many people live together, their wealth or income. So, many residents who all use services pay nothing or a very small amount. The answer is to abolish council tax or amalgamate it with income tax, and then everybody would pay in accordance to income. Central government would then give appropriate funds to each council throughout the country. The savings would be immense. Problem solved!

KEITH JACKSON, Northampton. The Chancellor’s proposal to extend taxation to non-residents’ capital gains on commercial property is short-sighted. Low taxation, stability and rule of law has meant that the Uk has always been a safe haven for foreign investors and London has benefited from this investment. increasing taxes will only discourage foreign investment and investors will look elsewhere. if this happens, then substantial tax revenues from direct tax and Paye will be lost.

MARK DAVIES, London WC2.

MY TENANT, who as a single person received a 25 per cent reduction on council tax, has just vacated my flat. But I now have to pay the full council tax on an empty property. Where is the logic in that?

COLIN MORGAN, Warfield, Berks.