AS pensioners our income is below the UK recommended poverty level - our council tax is a fifth of our income. But because we have over £16,000 in savings we pay the full amount Pensioners living elsewhere in the UK pay only half the figure Those living alone on their pension pittance still have to pay 75% of our council tax. How can this be justified? The whole method of taxing is a mess, VAT and the rest of the stealth taxes are extremely expensive to run and most unfair on pensioners and the low paid. In fact it seems to me that the only tax based on ability to pay if PAY AS YOU EARN. No other taxes consider ability to pay. Despite huge variations in income.

I believe that in a democracy people power is extremely effective. Even governments with large majorities can be wrong. So we must be allowed a democratic process to oppose them. A judicial enquiry to government into our whole tax system is urgent and essential. To establish Ability to Pay in place of the unfair, expensive to run and antiquated taxes demanded at present.

You could help by joining one of the many organisations opposing our tax system, or better still by personally lobbying your MPs and councillors.

MR & MRS W BEAN, Poole.