MADAM- Amidst the back pages of the Sidmouth Herald (January 23), we read the news of the town council s intention to, once again, take on more of the district council s responsibilities.

MADAM- Amidst the back pages of the Sidmouth Herald (January 23), we read the news of the town council's intention to, once again, take on more of the district council's responsibilities.

This means another great annual increase in the town council's precept for residents of Sidmouth.

The reason for the above big increase is, of course, to assist district council in complying with the law which requires district councils to impose a maximum annual increase of no more than five per cent.

Unfortunately, there is no such law affecting town councils and parish councils which can increase their annual taxes by whatever figure they wish. This is an anomaly which only Central Government can rectify, although most town councils and parish councils throughout the country aim to achieve a five per cent maximum annual increase. Sidmouth Town council is not one of them.

Harry Walkden

32 Malden Road

Sidmouth