Council borrowing is costly to constituents

I wish to add to Cllr Hilton’s explanation re additional borrowing (Viewpoint, August 18). Borrowing adds to our revenue costs.

For those of us who have a mortgage we know we have to pay interest as well as the capital repayments.

It’s the same for RBWM.

With the CURRENT levels of borrowing that’s a £7million charge on our revenue, a bit like a £7million cut in the services provided to residents.

If the capital borrowing goes up then this cost goes up and fewer services can be provided.

If interest rates go up, as they are likely to do, then this charge goes up, and again fewer services to residents.

Re the comment of being the fourth lowest council tax in the country, well we are NOT the fourth lowest AVERAGE. The average council tax per dwelling across local authorities is £1,493 whilst RBWM is £1,898 so we are far away from being the fourth lowest.

Cllr HELEN PRICE The Borough First Independents, Clewer

and Dedworth East