Are the council tax bands a postcode lottery?

THERE is a simple solution to the council tax unfairness highlighted in Money Mail. Uplift the existing bands according to house price indices and add new bands for the most expensive properties. The new tax levels could be paid only after a house is first sold, so the asset-rich, cash-poor elderly would not be affected. The proposed national revaluation would cost millions.

R. COULDWELL, Bognor Regis, W. Sussex. I PAY £3,300 in council tax for a flat — twice as much as friends in England in a similar property.

ELMA HAMILTON, Glasgow.

COUNCIL tax is supposed to cover the cost of services. However, the more people there are in a property, the more of these services they use. This should be the criteria for calculating council tax. Just because a property has a higher value, it does not cost the council more to provide services to it.

NICKY CANTELLO, Southampton.

IT’s unfair that I should be penalised because I live in a modest house in a commuter town where property prices are high. The council provides no more services or facilities than one in any other area. We need a fairer system. Rather than the value of a property, why not use its size to calculate the council tax?

ANGELA PALMA, Borehamwood, Herts. COUNCIL tax is increased without any reference to the services provided or who can pay these vast sums. My council tax bill is set to increase from £2,400. When a percentage increase is applied, the additional sum is far worse for those in higher bands, with no difference in the services provided. In fact, as I live on the edge of the town, I get fewer services, such as no street cleaning. The system is flawed and unfair.

DAN G. JONES, Beaumaris, Anglesey.