Sir.-Since 1995, my council tax bill has doubled. I believe that, in spite of this huge increase, the service that the council offers has steadily decreased.

There seems to be less money for libraries and local societies (Citizens Advice Bureau, among others), and payment demanded for amenities that were once free (removing large items of furniture, pests etc).

The condition of the roads has deteriorated. In fact, most services have got steadily worse.

At the same time, we, the ratepayers, pay not only the councillors but what, I feel, are hugely-inflated wages for council staff. Some of these people have free parking, some of which is on land taken from the War Memorial Park.

One should not forget this park was given to the people of Basingstoke as a memorial to the fallen in the Great War, not to the council.

So, why has the quality of almost all services deteriorated? Just what are we paying for?

-C George, Camrose Way, Basingstoke.